PSW: Social and Emotional Support

A Psychiatric Social Worker (PSW) is present here at La Salle Avenue Elementary School five (5) days each week from before the start of school, to after dismissal.

La Salle's PSW, Ms. Maureen Ezechukwu, LCSW, PPSC, assists students experiencing behavioral, social, and emotional challenges diminishing students’ academic performance and their ability to socialize with peers. Additionally, Ms. Maureen is one of La Salle's Black Student Achievement Program professionals, responsive to and effectively addressing the unique needs of Black students.

PSW services include individual counseling, family support, and small therapeutic groups to address specific topics such as. school adjustment, stress management, skill-building, social skills, bullying. Ms. Maureen provides many additional services to students, families and the community:

• crisis support services to students (including suicide risk assessment, threat assessment, reentry, safety planning, brief counseling, and linkages),
• mental health consultations with teachers/support staff and during meetings (e.g. Safety, SSPT, SART, and IEP),
• referrals to community-based and school mental health wellness clinics, and to community resources for students and families (e.g. food banks, clothing, extracurricular activities, etc.),
• psycho-education, and
• parent support to address barriers and encourage parent engagement in the educational process. 

Finally, Ms. Maureen works conjointly with the restorative justice teacher advisor, Mr. Michael Griffin. Together Ms. Maureen and Mr. Griffin manage La Salle's dedicated Reflection Room which provides students a place to engage in alternative play during recess and lunch. Activities include board games, puzzles, art, reading, and other fun projects. The Reflection Room also offers students a chance to improve positive behaviors, social skills, coping skills, and problem-solving skills.  Ms. Maureen and Mr. Griffin also conduct peer-conflict resolution sessions here which empower students to solve problems and build friendships.