Student  Assistance Specialist

What is a Student Assistance Program?

asapnj.org/ 

The Nutley Public Schools value the importance of mental health and social/emotional wellness. We have a comprehensive K-12 school counseling program that includes a Student Assistance Program for our students at Nutley High School. A Student Assistance Program is a comprehensive school-based program for students designed to identify issues affecting a student’s mental health and possible impact upon their academic performance, including  whether the trouble may indicate any involvement or association with alcohol or other drug related concerns.

Student Assistance Programs are designed to provide a safe place in which students are free to express their feelings and concerns as they develop positive relationships with peers and adults and acquire knowledge, skills and attitude development leading to student success in the school setting. Student Assistance Specialists provide services for students to help them in a variety of ways. Building a positive school climate where students feel physically, emotionally safe and respected as a member of their school community is the main focus of the Student Assistance Program.  Research shows that when students feel connected to their school environment they are more likely to succeed academically and avoid risky behaviors

Receiving services from the program is confidential. What you say in here stays in here unless: Someone is hurting you, you want to hurt someone else, you want to hurt yourself, or you give me permission to share. The Student Assistance Specialist provides education, prevention, early identification, intervention, referral, and support groups for students.

A Student Assistance Specialist works to support the entire student community, just like school counselors. They act as a resource for the entire school community, working with any student or group in a confidential setting. Student Assistance Specialists also build connections within the local community, so they can act as a source of information and referrals to different community agencies and resources.

More information on the role and effectiveness of Student Assistance Programs are  below, provided by the Association of Student Assistance Professionals of NJ (ASAP-NJ, asapnj.org).

Student Assistance Programs promote protective factors and increase:

• Students’ academic achievement and good grades

• Students' positive attitude towards school

• Students’ likelihood of staying in school

• Students’ attendance in school

• Students' sense of self-worth

• Students' ability to communicate and express feelings appropriately

• Students’ positive relationships

• Staff involvement in student issues and concerns

• Parent and community support for students and schools.

Who is Nutley High School’s Student Assistance Specialist?

Hello! My name is Erin Theodorou and I love helping people, which is why I have chosen a field and environment where I can truly be of service o others. I am looking forward to being NHH's Student Assistance Specialist!

In recent years, I have been a school counselor at Nutley High School and am an advisor to our school’s CORE Ambassadors–the club that helps to foster a positive school environment.  I love our high school community and am looking forward to growing support for all our students in tandem with the other important stakeholders–administration, faculty, students, and their families alike.

A little about me…

I have many years experience both as a school counselor and as a mental health clinician.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, hold a National Counselor certification, and am a certified New Jersey School Counselor.  I have spent many years working as a school counselor and love working with students!  There are many reasons I love working in a school but at the top of the list is every day is different and it is never boring!

I graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor's degree. I went to graduate school at William Paterson University, where I earned my Master's degree in Professional Counseling.

 As a lifelong learner, I strive to make sure that I can provide support and guidance to others that are in line with the current world we inhabit.  The work of a student assistance specialist aligns with my belief that students learn better when their basic needs are met, and when they feel safe, supported, and cared for at school.  The service that I provide is with an understanding of both the challenges and benefits of being a teenager in this increasingly complex world.  Nutley is truly a unique place (in a good way)!  We all choose to live here for a variety of reasons but the main motivation is to be part of a strong, tight-knit community.  My philosophy is one of caring and concerns for all our students and ensuring their well-being in our school community. The work of a great counselor does not happen in isolation. In partnership with home and the community, my mission is to provide students with support to maximize their potential.  As the school year begins, please check this site for updates on various mental health related topics.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at etheodorou@nutleyschools.org or to call me at 973-661-8839.

Resources & Recordings:

Bullying & Suicide Prevention Presentation

Generalized & Social Anxiety

SAS Resources

New Year Self Reflection Questions