Tracy Celestin-Daly (center) shows her psychologist pride with CSC 7 colleagues Lena Perez (left) and Monica Smith.
“What we do as psychologists is extremely hard, but sometimes the hardest thing to do is to take care of ourselves,” said School Psychologists and Social Workers Chapter Leader Raul Garcia, addressing 411 members at the annual Psychologists Appreciation Day professional development on Nov. 10 at union headquarters. Dr. Peter K. Isquith of Boston Children’s Hospital provided training on supporting students with executive-function issues. Rebecca Asarnow, a psychologist at MS 144 in the Bronx, said she found it helpful how Isquith distinguished between aspects of executive dysfunction like disorganization, task initiation or distraction. “When you get specific with your observations, you can tailor your interventions to what students need,” she said. Especially valuable, though, was the opportunity for members to connect with one another. “Together we’re strong,” said Jantzel Garcia from PS 314 in Manhattan. “The sense of unity and community that the union brings is really valuable.”
