"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."
- Christian D. Larson
Welcome!
I am delighted to be the Region 10 social worker working directly with Har-Bur Middle School students. I look forward to helping your students to believe in themselves and have the confidence to grow from their challenges.
What does a social worker in the school setting do?
We are mental health professionals that strive to help your students to be available for learning by supporting their social and emotional needs. We work to strengthen collaboration among home, school, and community by providing a number of direct services to students, families, and school personnel. I believe that each student deserves to have pride in self and a place within the school and broader community where s/he experiences success and fulfillment. Together with all of my colleagues, I aim to contribute to a nurturing, productive, and safe learning environment. Some ways that I do so include the following:
- Provide counseling for identified students, individually and in small groups
- Help students to discover problem-solving / decision-making skills
- Assist students to improve self-esteem, social skills, and self-control
- Encourage students to advocate for themselves
- Work with students, staff, and families to improve school concerns (behaviors, attendance, peer issues, etc.)
- Offer consultation and strategies to parents, especially during difficult family circumstances and transitions
- Advocate for students' needs
- Provide resources and information on community services/agencies
- Support teachers so they can identify a student in crisis and respond effectively
- Collaborate with outside service providers to ensure consistency at home and in school
Contact information:
Cara Donahue, MSW, MA
Har-Bur Middle School
860--673-6163 ext. 17241
[email protected]
Region 10 District Psychologist/SW Web Page