New WRAP clinician excited to work with staff and students at Liberty Memorial

Students are starting a new school year, and so is Frances Rico.

She is the new WRAP worker at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. WRAP (Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities) is a Bert Nash program that goes where the students are — in the schools.

“WRAP is an extra support link for the kids, staff and family members that targets anything from struggles at home, to peer interactions, skill building and crisis interventions,” Rico said. “Through the program, students are able to utilize a community resource with easy access in their school that is completely free to them.”

A Bert Nash mental health clinician is on site at both Lawrence high schools and two of the four middle schools, as well as the three Eudora schools. They work collaboratively with teachers, counselors and administrators.

“The WRAP team provides great clinical insight, knowledge and support,” Rico said. She has had experience with the program.

“I was a WRAP intern a few years ago and loved working with the program,” Rico said. “I am very excited about working at Central with staff members and students.”

Rico replaced Deb Keary, who accepted a job as a guidance counselor at Central.

Rico is the mother of a 6-year-old and enjoys creating art and working out.

She has a master’s degree in social welfare from the of Kansas. Rico began her college career at Neosho County Community College in Chanute, where she played basketball for one season. She finished her undergraduate work at Wichita State University. Most recently, Rico was a family preservation therapist and case manager in Great Bend.