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Meet Emily, Mental Health Associate at Rivermont Roanoke Southwest. Driven by building meaningful connections, Emily helps foster a positive, team-centered environment where students are supported, celebrated, and encouraged to grow each day.

What is your favorite thing about working at Roanoke SW? 
My favorite thing about working here is the ability to build and develop meaningful relationships with both students and staff. Our staff’s shared passion towards fostering beneficial connections and supporting students’ growth drives me to come to work every day and put forth my best effort.

What is something that sets Roanoke SW apart or makes the school special?
Something that sets Roanoke SW apart is our willingness to help others out. The support that staff provide throughout the building ensures confidence in handling any difficult situation.

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role? 
I begin my day by preparing for Social Skills and reviewing the daily plan with my team. Then, during Social Skills, we review our student expectations known as BARKS (B - Be There, Be Ready, A - Accept Responsibility, R - Respect, Self, Others, and Property, K - Keep It Positive, and S - Strive for Learning) and then we have our lesson. Throughout the rest of the day, I utilize our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system and sign reward cards when students demonstrate their BARKS to encourage positive behaviors. I provide support to other classrooms if assistance is requested. I finish the day off by discussing behaviors with the team and strategizing how to address them the following day.

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?  

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in the spring of 2024. I started working at Rivermont the following August after searching for a career that focused on psychology and children. I have a strong desire to help vulnerable populations and working here aligns with my professional interests. As I have worked here, it has solidified my desire to work in an educational field long-term. I am thinking about furthering my education to become a school psychologist, counselor, or therapist within the next few years.

How does Rivermont support your professional growth and learning?
Rivermont has provided me opportunities to grow and develop within the company as well as on an educational level. I have been given opportunities to advance in my career as well as continue my education through programs in the company.

What makes you proud to be part of the Roanoke Southwest team?

I am proud to be a part of the Roanoke Southwest team because of our efforts to build community, embrace change, and strive for positivity. This year, the Southwest team has been expanding our community engagement by hosting family nights and encouraging parents to learn more about our program. We have embraced change by adapting to the specific needs of our school and continue to make changes as the year progresses. We have striven for positivity, and the team has introduced various committees to ensure staff feel supported and appreciated!

What is a fun fact about you? 

A fun fact about me is that I love to cook!