Joleen Cope Staff Reporter School can be very stressful, and some people may not know how to handle it themselves. Thankfully, Stephanie Voelker, the school social worker is holding Social emotional Support groups that started this week to help those with that very problem. Mrs. Voelker has been a social worker for 11 years and graduated from Arizona State University. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in social work. She has done a lot for many different people and says she loves what she does. She has worked as a behavioral health case manager, taught independent living skills to youth aging out of foster care, and has worked to help those with autism. These groups she is hosting is a way to make community resources known and available on campus. It is very important for students to have easy access to emotional support because of everything that can go on in school. Mrs. Voelker stated, “My goal is to emphasize the incredible work you do and support you in the challenges you face as well as during times of success”. Being there for students is very important to her and she is working hard for these groups. For now, the Social Emotional Support groups are being held online until we are able to go on campus. The purpose of these meetings is to reduce the shame around issues of mental health, make it known to students that their mental health is very important, and give a safe space where students can make their social emotional well being a priority. “It was important to me to start these groups on campus, virtually for now, so that students were able to receive services in a setting that they are familiar with and is easily accessible.” The first group that is available is called “Skills for Life” and it is focused on helping students increase emotional resiliency and building skills that are needed to get rid of anxiety or worry. The groups are being held on Microsoft teams on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you would like to sign up or if you have any questions regarding the Social Emotional Support groups, contact Stephanie Voelker at svoelker@pusd11.net. Just remember Eagles, if you are ever going through something, you are not alone. There is always somebody you can talk to.
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