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Student Support
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School Mental Health Counselors
Mental Health Counselors
Mental health counselors are another tier of mental health intervention offered by the Harrisonburg City Public School system. This team is composed of mental health counselors who have the education and training to step in and address issues requiring a more in-depth response and referral process. Our current team of mental health counselors has decades of experience and specialization allowing them to support students and families who might have previously experienced, or are currently experiencing, a traumatic situation in life. In addition to providing direct services, the mental health team connects students with school based and community services that are appropriate to the specific needs of the family and/or student. The mental health counselors work diligently along with all school staff to support the resiliency skills and increase the protective factors that students need to be successful in school and beyond.
" I am a licensed professional counselor for the state of Virginia and have been working in Harrisonburg in the field of mental health for more than seventeen years. My training and specialization is in the field of trauma and how that affects children, families, and communities.
I was born and raised overseas and speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I came to Harrisonburg over twenty years ago and received my Masters and Education Specialist Degrees in Counseling at James Madison University. Locally I worked for the Migrant Education Program and the Collins Center before joining the HCPS mental health team. I love working for HCPS and the rich diversity of students we serve. I am impressed and proud to be a part of a school system that prioritizes mental health and support to all students no matter who they are and where they come from.
I have three sons and love raising thein in the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley where we take full advantage of the natural wonders that surround us. You can often find us hiking and exploring the rivers and mountains. "
" Natures peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into the trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves " - John Muir
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I'm proud to be part of the mental health counseling team at Harrisonburg City Public Schools. In addition to being a licensed professional counselor in the commonwealth of Virginia, I am also a board-certified dance/movement therapist.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Dance from James Madison University, and my Masters in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University. I specialize in incorporating body awareness and artistic processing in the journey of mental, emotional, and physical health.
In my therapeutic approach, I facilitate movement, music, art, and talk therapy to allow for a range of self-expression. Prior to working with HCPS, I worked as an expressive therapist in a mental health treatment center.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring nature, especially here in the Shenandoah Valley!
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"I'm honored to be part of the mental health counseling team at Harrisonburg City Public Schools. I am a Virginia board certified Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Mary Baldwin University (back when it was still Mary Baldwin College). I then earned my Masters in Counseling at Eastern Mennonite University. I have worked in a variety of environments such as Private Practice, Therapeutic Day Treatment, Intensive In Home, and more recently as a counselor at HCHC in Elkton. In addition to working with people individually, I have also led groups related to substance abuse, and anger management. Working in a variety of settings has provided me the opportunity to learn and grow as a counselor and I have enjoyed meeting so many different individuals throughout my journey.
In My therapeutic approach, I use mindfulness strategies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when appropriate, and focus on person centered needs of everyone I work with.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my husband and two daughters."
"I am currently a Resident in Counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I obtained a Bachelor's of Social Work from James Madison University and a Master's of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University.
I began my career working as the Children's Services Coordinator for Mercy House, Inc. in 2011 before transitioning to more clinical and mental health focused work in 2016 when I joined National Counseling Group (NCG). During my time working for NCG, I had the opportunity to work with children and families as a Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor. I also provided In-Home counseling services and Outpatient therapy to children, adolescents, and teens. Prior to joining the HCPS Mental Health team, I worked as the Early Intervention Clinician at HHS during the 2021-2022 school year.
I believe all children (and people) deserve a place where they can feel seen, heard, and valued. I feel fortunate to work for a school system that prioritizes the importance of students feeling welcome and to have a "home away from home" while they are at school. My goal for the individuals I work with is that they will leave my office feeling more connected to themselves and those around them, and to gain a deeper understanding of their own unique identity.
In my free time, I love to be outdoors playing with my son and our dog. I also enjoy reading, cooking, and exercise. "
Yozaira Leon-Santiago
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Thomas Harrison Middle School
"I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and Puerto Rico with more than 15 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field.I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and speak Spanish and English. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from University of Puerto Rico, and my Masters in Science in Counseling / Marriage and Family Counseling from University of Phoenix.
Before joining the HCPS mental health team, I worked locally as a mental health clinician in a detention center working with young immigrants. I also worked as an MST (Multisystemic) therapist in the community. I have specialized training in family therapy, trauma, depression and anxiety.
I take a collaborative and supportive stance in my approach to therapy.
Outside of work, I like to dance, go to the beach and visit new places with my husband and daughter."
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