I haven't written in my blog in over two years. Since then I moved to another state and moved from practice to academia. I am now an assistant professor in the school psychology program at New Mexico State University. I teach practicum courses and courses related to mental health, and I am researching on issues … Continue reading Bringing this back

I was at my national conference when 17 students were murdered at Stoneman Douglas High School.  I didn't really know how to react; it was easier to focus my attention on building my skills in school-based mental heath.  I was thankful that in our underground conference rooms my internet access didn't work and I could … Continue reading Walk Up or Walk Out? A School Psychologist’s Guide to School Safety and Mental Health

The Teaching Tolerance blog, created by the Southern Poverty Law Center, calls itself "a place where educators who care about diversity, equity and justice can find news, suggestions, conversation and support."  It provides professional development on school climate, classroom strategies, and reflective teaching.  You can find classroom resources on topics ranging from bullying to immigration to … Continue reading Weekly Resource- Teaching Tolerance

It's almost the holidays!  We're hustling and bustling in the schools to wrap up the semester with projects and exams (at least in this part of the country, where school started in August).  Younger grades may be preparing for programs and parties and lots of fun once the work is over. Teachers and school staff, … Continue reading Students and the holidays

Hey everyone!  So, I'm way behind with the blog.  Vacation/work/illness has totally taken over the last few weeks and I just haven't been able to pull together a full post.  There are a few half-written pieces that I promise will be super helpful once they are ready.  So, to make up for it, here are … Continue reading Suicide Prevention Resources

November 14-18 is School Psychology Awareness Week!  It's a time where our national association promotes the profession, which is often misunderstood or flies under the radar. So here's a FAQ on who we are and how we help schools.  I am including links if you want more information. What is a school psychologist?  'School psychologists … Continue reading Thank a School Psychologist This Week!

In case you haven't heard, the USA has a big election tomorrow.  My kids have been talking about it for a year, so I'm sure yours are too.  How do we, in schools, address this? Let your students talk.  Classrooms are safe spaces for kids, so they may use your class to talk about their … Continue reading Election Day

We made it to the end of October!  What a year it's been.  A few quick thoughts on the week. Today is Halloween, which means lots of fun mixed with scary.  Halloween is minimized at most schools these days- the most I see is costumes for the little ones, often with a storybook theme, and … Continue reading Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and kids

First of all, apologized for the post mix-up last week.  I hadn't finished the bullying post, but I was out of town and didn't change my auto-post setting.  And now I'm editing a manuscript, so I'm  delayed another week or two.  It's coming, promise! Today is the start of Red Ribbon Week.  RRW started in the … Continue reading Red Ribbon Week