Hi everyone, my name is Samantha and I am so excited to be working at IA as the school counselor.  I have always felt a purpose and passion to advocate for children’s right to be heard, respected, and valued. This passion encouraged me to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development in 2017. I was also an intern and assistant at Innovations Academy from 2016-18, in the Solution Center where I gained insight on children’s mental health, Positive Discipline, and comprehending the value of Mindfulness. I believe in providing children the autonomy to voice their needs, emotions, and concerns in order to flourish. I went on to receive my Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I began my practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee in 2019, where I facilitated Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), who experienced homelessness and many other mental health challenges. During this time, I supported a range of clients with deciphering mental health disorders and navigated how to best serve each one of my clients. I look forward to my second year working with our wonderful community.