There are 62 school psychologists and four school psychology interns across PWCS.

Martin Onley, a school psychologist at Hampton Middle School, said a school psychologist’s adaptability and versatility makes them like a “jack of all trades.”

“A school psychologist can basically fit into a role based on the school’s needs, thus creating a positive school climate by providing the necessary support.” Onley said.

A school psychologist’s job is multifaceted. They provide direct and indirect support to students, families, administrators, school staff, and communities to address barriers to learning and development that may arise over the course of a student's educational career.

School psychologists also work closely with their teams to support schoolwide practices and maintain a positive school climate.

“School psychologists can bring a sense of an ‘outside’ or fresh look at situations, students, and challenges. For me at my schools, my administrators and teachers love feedback because it may not have been something they thought of or realized,” shared Jennifer Parker, a school psychologist at Neabsco and Pattie Elementary Schools.

When asked what his favorite part of being a school psychologist is, Onley said it’s working with students.

“I think what I genuinely love about the work the most is being able to find a student or students who don’t really have safe people in their lives and then becoming that safe person for them and seeing the development that can occur from having a source of some stability,” Onley shared.

Parker agreed that her favorite part about being a school psychologist is when you know you are making a difference.

“When students draw me pictures or are yelling my name in the hallway (to say hello) that just warms my heart to know that I made an impact on them like they did for me. I would have to say I also love working with parents to help them understand their child’s needs in a coherent way. As a parent myself, when the ‘what’ and ‘why’ is answered that makes me feel not only more knowledgeable but more confident to help my child with whatever needs they have. That is my goal for other parents.” Parker exclaimed.

For those who are new to the profession or students learning to be a school psychologist, Onley and Parker advise them to work with school staff and integrate into the school community and to remember that you know more than you think you do.

“Remember that being there for even just one kid at a time, one hour at a time is already a huge service to the kid you’re working with and is already enough,” Onley said. “Never judge yourself based off what other people are doing and simply focus on what you can do to better the lives of the students at your schools one day at a time.”