Services
Systems-Level Consultation
I provide consultation services focused on mental health and wellness prevention efforts and equity-focused, trauma-informed practices for youth, families, and systems that serve, support, and educate youth, including but not limited to schools/districts, organizations, and programs.
Depending on what a system is needing/requesting, consultation may involve providing guidance and support in systems change and systems-level initiatives (e.g., needs assessment, action planning, monitoring/evaluation, sustainability planning), providing specific programming/training opportunities, and/or leading and facilitating individual or group consultation/coaching sessions. General descriptions of these consultation services are provided below. To learn more and for any inquiries, click on the Contact Tab and complete the contact form.
Previously having worked as a school psychologist in public schools and being on the other side of consulting relationships, I come into the collaborative relationship with humility and awareness that those within the system know their system best, that bandaid approaches are not truly effective and sustainable, and that making long-lasting change can be incredibly challenging, complex, and is a process that takes time and is ongoing. However, I also passionately believe that systems-level initiatives and systems-change efforts can have the power to create spaces and connections that are healing, safe, supportive, and beneficial for individuals on a larger scale, positively impacting communities and future generations.
Systems Change and Systems-Level Initiatives
I provide consultation services for schools/districts and youth and family-serving organizations and programs that are seeking expertise, guidance, and support in making meaningful, ongoing, long-lasting systems change and implementing systems-level initiatives that aim to:
- cultivate children’s social-emotional development and make conversations about mental health and wellness normalized early on with youth in an engaging, kid-friendly way;
- foster meaningful, healing connections within and with others;
- and create spaces that actively and visibly value youth voice, diversity, accessibility, holistic well-being, and other values that embody equity-focused, trauma-informed practices.
When providing consultation, I follow the general guiding framework/process and meet systems/teams where they are at:
Beyond learning about the specific area of focus/desired change, I strive to get to know systems, better understand the climate and culture, identify strengths/existing resources and potential challenges/barriers in making change, and evaluate areas for growth and any root causes for problems occurring by helping conduct needs assessments that allow hearing from all voices/stakeholders, including youth.
Based on findings from exploration and evaluation, I work with systems to collaboratively brainstorm solutions, identify long-term and short-term goals and action steps, and come up with a plan for monitoring progress. Similar to needs assessments, I aim to help systems involve as many voices/stakeholders as possible, including youth, in brainstorming solutions and action planning.
Depending on a system’s expressed needs for support in implementation, I am able to help guide and support implementation as well as provide specific consultation services aligned with the implementation plan, including providing any programming/training and individual or group consultation and coaching if the training/coaching needs are in alignment with my qualifications and expertise (see general descriptions of these specific services below).
I am also able to provide guidance and support in progress monitoring and evaluation of the implementation plan (e.g., completion of action steps, fidelity of implementation, measuring effectiveness/outcomes, gathering and incorporating feedback), including helping to identify, adapt, or develop progress monitoring and evaluation tools, providing support in gathering and evaluating data, and reporting findings in a clear and digestible way along with any recommendations based on findings.
Where the goal is to help create systems that are able to self-sustain and not rely on consulting support long-term, it is critical to ensure that 1) as many voices and stakeholders are engaged, listened to, and involved throughout the consultation process, 2) that the solutions, action steps, and goals are ambitious yet realistic, 3) that individuals within the system are given guidance, tools, and training if necessary in carrying solutions forward, and 4) that I work with systems to come up with a plan of sustainability, including continual progress monitoring, recurring procedures, and internal leaders to champion efforts.
Programming and Training
I provide virtual or in-person workshops, programming, and training, aiming to ensure they are interactive, engaging, and individualized to needs so that participants and systems can truly benefit. I strive to ensure they are thought-provoking, reflective, and practical, with the hope that every attendee can take at least one thing with them they truly found helpful and that they can apply in their own professional practice and/or personal lives going forward.
While this list is not exhaustive, examples of programming/training areas of focus include:
- Wellness and self-care
- Trauma-informed practices
- Mindfulness (e.g., everyday practical applications, mindful practices that utilize art and journaling)
- Cultivating youth’s social and emotional development through innovative and creative methods (e.g., technology, play, arts/creative expression, storytelling, media/entertainment)
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) integrations into the classroom and academic instruction
Individual and Group Consultation and Coaching
I provide one-on-one and group consultation and coaching for families, school staff/leadership, and youth serving professionals. When providing consultation and coaching, I strive to utilize a human-centered approach–
- creating a space of support and non-judgment;
- acknowledging, validating, and honoring any feelings individuals may be having rather than merely focusing on the area(s) of concern and coming up with a plan;
- utilizing an equity-focused, trauma-informed lens, accounting for past experiences, challenges and barriers, extenuating circumstances, and systems/environmental factors;
- striving to ensure that the sessions are grounded in consultee voice rather than me advising what should be done, and that action planning is individualized and strengths focused.