I'm happy with which ever name! This is just a quick summary of who I am and what makes me qualified to talk to your student-
First, enjoy a few pictures here of my family. I know my own kiddos love seeing pictures of other kids being goofy so I am including some of them being just as silly. And the dog too! I am married (17 years & counting) with three children- ages 14, 9, and 7. Ranger is our pet pup.
I graduated from CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development with a minor in Family and Consumer Sciences. I loved school so much I stayed a bit longer and earned my Masters Degree in Counselor Education, with an emphasis in School Counseling. In my adult life, I've worked as an After School Program Supervisor, TK Teacher, School Counselor as well as a Social Worker alongside CPS. I landed at WUSD in 2018 as a School Social Worker and I love it here!
I've also dedicated quite a bit of my time to volunteering- I love Art in Action AND Girls on the Run, so I started local chapters at my kids' schools. If I'm not utterly exhausted, you'll find me hiking or gardening with my family.
I really am so glad you asked (LOL) and I am so thankful you are reading this part. School Social Workers do SO SO much, but often it is behind the scenes and/or confidential. Here is a brief overview of a typical day/week/school year:
One on one individual counseling (we can meet sporadically with a student up to 3 times, but past that we must have parent consent) addressing concerns such as:
anxiety, depression, self harm & suicidal thoughts
trauma, death, loss & grieving
divorce, blended families, family concerns
adjustment, transition, foster care, homelessness
teacher, peer & romantic relationships
academic, personal, professional, social goals
Brief check ins (designed to review behavior, set goals, give pep talks, assess resource & support/ need for outside services)
Facilitate small groups (consists of 6-10 students of similar age & development to help develop specific life skills)
Lead peer mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice amongst peers who are actively in conflict.
Coordinate classroom & parent presentations such as
Healthy Relationships & Friendships (in Partnership with W.E.A.V.E.)
Crisis Services & Suicide Prevention (in partnership with Suicide Prevention of Yolo County)
Drug Awareness & Prevention (in partnership with Foundation for a Drug Free World)
Provide Teacher & Staff support (counseling, classroom & playground intervention)
Support parents and families with guidance, resources and connections to outside support services
Collaborate with community agencies to bring additional support, resources, supplies to students and families.
Attend SSTs, IEPs, Parent Conferences, etc. to advocate for the student & family as needed.
If you are still reading this, please know I am happy to help answer questions and advocate for you and your student!