In honor of School Psychologist Week this year, we wanted to take a moment to hear from the psychologists who serve all 18 of our campuses about why they do the work they do. Take a look:
MARY BARGI
What campuses they support: Baker College Prep, Hansberry College Prep, and Rauner College Prep
What do you love most about your work?
Truly, I love getting to know all the students I work with. They’re from all different parts of the city, experiencing a time in their lives right before a major shift happens when they graduate. It’s very uplifting and exciting to be on that journey with them.
LEILANI CASTANEDA
What campuses they support: Butler College Prep and Mansueto High School
What do you love most about your work?
One on one time with each student! As well as getting to witness the academic and personal growth of each unique student with the support of a collaborative school team.
LOUISE DABKEY
What campuses they support: DRW College Prep, Golder College Prep, and ITW David Speer Academy
What do you love most about your work?
Love the field. I enjoy working and supporting teachers and students and their families.
DR. CHRIS FALLON
What campuses they support: Gary Comer College Prep, Gary Comer Middle School, and Noble Street College Prep
What do you love most about your work?
There are many things I love about my job, but the thing I love most is the problem-solving aspect. I love pulling together all of the information and data we have about a student and figuring out something new that I can share with the family and teachers so they understand the student better.
DR. TIFFANI A. FARROW
What campuses they support: Johnson College Prep and UIC College Prep
What do you love most about your work?
The one-on-one interaction with scholars and getting to know them.
NAJEE HOENICKE
What campuses they support: Chicago Bulls College Prep and Muchin College Prep
What do you love most about your work?
Getting to know the students! All of their stories are all so unique and it’s great to get to know what they feel makes them who they are.
MARIA VLANTIS
What campuses they support: Pritzker College Prep, Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, and The Noble Academy
What do you love most about your work?
I love making connections with student and their families, and providing them a space where they feel heard and validated. I also really enjoy breaking down the stigma around mental health! Helping a student understand the positive benefits of therapy and normalizing experiences can be very rewarding.
