Gowestchestertherapy

05/22/2025

I’m thrilled to join the NYSSSWA Board as a Westchester Region Representative! NYSSSWA is dedicated to supporting school social workers across New York State, and I’m honored to help further that mission locally. If you’re a school social worker in Westchester County, I’d love to connect—reach out to learn more about joining our Westchester region division!

04/05/2025

I was grateful to be invited to serve on the panel organized by to raise awareness about student mental health related to cell phone use. Be sure to check out the complete article and the wonderful work is doing to foster dialogue in our communities.

03/15/2025

Empowering Teachers with DBT Skills for Emotional Balance

Yesterday, I had the honor of presenting to a group of amazing educators at Superintendent’s Conference Day, sharing how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills can be used to manage stress, regulate emotions, and promote emotional balance in both their professional and personal lives.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding but also emotionally challenging jobs, and it’s crucial that educators have the tools to navigate their emotions in a healthy way.

Here are the key DBT strategies I shared:
Mindfulness – Staying present and grounded, even in stressful moments.
Distress Tolerance – Techniques for handling emotional overwhelm without reacting impulsively.
Emotion Regulation – Identifying, understanding, and managing emotions effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness – Building stronger relationships with students and colleagues.

By integrating these strategies into their daily lives, teachers can feel more balanced, reduce burnout, and create a more supportive classroom environment. This is all about helping educators thrive so they can continue to make a positive impact on students’ lives.

👠

03/15/2025

Governor of New York Proposes Ban on Cell Phones During School Day.

This post is raising awareness and beginning a discussion.

The Governor of New York has recently proposed a policy to ban cell phone use for students during the school day. The proposed ban aims to reduce distractions in the classroom and promote more focused learning environments for students.

Supporters believe this initiative could help students engage more fully in their lessons and improve academic performance by limiting the temptation to check phones during school hours. Some also argue that it could enhance social interactions by encouraging face-to-face communication.

On the other hand, there are concerns about the implications of such a ban, including how it might affect students’ access to important communication tools during emergencies or their ability to use phones for educational purposes.

As this proposal is discussed and considered, it’s important for educators, parents, and students to stay informed about how it could impact their daily routines and learning environments.

This is an ongoing conversation, and more details will likely emerge as the proposal moves forward.

03/03/2025

Happy !This week, we celebrate the amazing school social workers who make a difference every day in the lives of students, families, and school communities. 💙

From providing emotional support and advocating for students’ needs to helping create safe, environments, school social workers play a vital role in promoting mental health, well-being, and academic success. They are the unsung heroes who help students overcome obstacles, reach their potential, and thrive.

Let’s take a moment to thank and appreciate all the school social workers who make our schools better, brighter, and more supportive places for everyone.

Thinking of all my social work friends. Sending hugs and praise.

03/03/2025

Happy Social Worker Month to everyone! Let's take a moment to celebrate the dedicated individuals who make a profound difference in the lives of many.
I am proud to be a social worker!!

02/01/2025

01/08/2025

I’m thrilled to finally share a project that’s been close to my heart for the past few years: the redesign of my high school’s Wellness Center, which had been closed for the past five years due to COVID. With the support of my school district and parent organizations, I’ve been able to bring this vision to life—creating a dedicated space for student well-being.

The goal of the Wellness Center is straightforward but powerful: to offer a safe, peaceful environment where students can nurture their mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as develop crucial interpersonal and socialization skills. High school can be stressful, and I wanted to create a place where students can unwind, recharge, and access resources to manage the pressures of daily life.

The center features comfortable areas for relaxation, a space for mindfulness activities, and resources for students who need support with mental health or simply want a quiet place to reflect. I truly believe this space will play a vital role in promoting overall wellness and building a stronger, more supportive school community.

I’m deeply grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact the Wellness Center will have on our students’ growth and well-being!

01/08/2025

I’m thrilled to finally share a project that’s been close to my heart for the past few years: the redesign of my high school’s Wellness Center, which had been closed for the past five years due to COVID. With the support of my school district and parent organizations, I’ve been able to bring this vision to life—creating a dedicated space for student well-being.

The goal of the Wellness Center is straightforward but powerful: to offer a safe, peaceful environment where students can nurture their mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as develop crucial interpersonal and socialization skills. High school can be stressful, and I wanted to create a place where students can unwind, recharge, and access resources to manage the pressures of daily life.

The center features comfortable areas for relaxation, a space for mindfulness activities, and resources for students who need support with mental health or simply want a quiet place to reflect. I truly believe this space will play a vital role in promoting overall wellness and building a stronger, more supportive school community.

I’m deeply grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact the Wellness Center will have on our students’ growth and well-being!

09/26/2024

Now accepting new clients.
Visit website link. Location in Westchester, NY

02/22/2024

The beauty of nature. Sunsets can boost our mood.

02/13/2024

Monday morning after the Superbowl, my students learning DBT skills were able to use real-life/in-time examples of the 3 states of mind. They said Travis was in Emotional Mind and Coach Reid was in Wise Mind. They were able to discuss Travis’s impulsive behavior.
DBT skills are a powerful tool to teach students about self-regulation and tolerating the uncomfortable. DBT is SEL.

Find real-life teachable moments to educate kids.