NHS School Psychologists

Mental health for students between the ages of 14-18 is more important than ever in the ‘ber’ months as applications, community hours, and holiday chaos spike stress levels. 

Those working against not only the stress of the season– and to provide service to those who feel the depression and burnout—but also stigma around mental health at Newtown High School are a great support to those seeking a rapport from the stress of daily life. 

The NHS School Psychologists offer students support beyond the day-to-day guidance. NHS has three school psychologists, two social workers, and a social-work intern staff; one of whom is Mrs. Stacie Martinez. 

“My favorite part about being a school psychologist particularly at this high school is because I think we have a lot of really great resources here for mental health. And we have an administration that is really receptive towards making sure that students feel really comfortable here if they’re experiencing some difficulties, making sure that we’re putting some good things into place and reducing stigma around mental health.  What I particularly love about being a school psychologist is being able to help people and obviously students, and kind of problem solving around what's going on for them. And being able to see that growth over four years is just really nice and I really really feel passionately about helping people and seeing and being able to be a support person for her students here.” Martinez said.. 

Martinez not only sees students and supports them through meetings with her, she also supports the students in this school with education plans to make sure the classroom and environment is best for them to learn in and so their needs are met.  

“I support students in their academics, their social skills, and behaviorally– if students are having some behavioral challenges. And, obviously, emotional concerns,, if they’re dealing with anxiety, stress, social problems, just problem solving in general. I also work a lot with teams. So I do testing and I work on teams to create plans that best support students' learning and what I might know about them from working with them on to one and how we can incorporate that into a plan. And I collaborate a lot with the teams I collaborate with including outside providers, including administrators,” Martinez said.

Helping students manage their anxiety, or for those seeking help when struggling with depression– Martinez is constantly an anchor to students, and staff at NHS– working with administrators and parents to help students the best she can. 

With more and more youth struggling with anxiety, depression and stress, especially throughout the year– and especially in the ‘ber’ months, with midterms and holiday stress– those in the building like Mrs Martinez prove to be as important as ever.