Why I do what I do – Alisa Galvin, WRAP Specialist

I love what I do. Some days it is harder than others but I cannot imagine being anywhere else.

The work isn’t done for the thank-yous nor credit. I do it because I love kids. I do it because someone did it for me in school. Someone continually showed up for me. They asked how I was doing and listened without judgment.

Our schools need to be about support and relationships first. Placing Bert Nash WRAP (Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities) therapists in schools helps bridge the gap for those in need of mental health services. We must show up for our kids by meeting them where they are, allowing them to lean in, sit beside them and embrace the suck, be vulnerable, be themselves. I am proud to work in a school district where the students’ emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing is priority.

Bert Nash and my district are not one size fits all cultures. Being creative, collaborating and thinking outside the box is frequent. Bert Nash as an organization is truly committed to compassion, integrity and equity on a foundation of hope. To be able to bring that to the schools for our students and families is transformative, especially during this pandemic. My director and colleagues are phenomenal people who support and encourage leaning in, value grit and have such dedication for kids. We need to be there for them, to show up.

It only takes one caring person to change the trajectory of a student’s life. Why I do what I do is simple. Not showing up for someone is not an option.