Student Support

Surrounding Students with Support:

for personal and academic success

With growing bodies of research regarding the connection between social emotional wellness and academic achievement and the troubling increase in student stress in the U.S., Westridge placed a goal to provide a comprehensive system of support for students at the foundation of its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. During the past two years, we have expanded our team of support specialists and reorganized these disciplines into a collaborative unit focused on integrated student care.

L to R: Vicki Trinh, Sheri Johnson, Tami Millard, Lisa Carruthers, Katie Dockter, Sarah Simon, and Susie Murdock

We’ve built a program with a strong arc from grades 4 through 12 and a group of highly trained professionals who bring different perspectives to look at student wellness, and that’s important,” said Director of Counseling and Student Support Lisa Carruthers, Psy.D. “Through relationships, curriculum, and other educational programming, we help students develop social and emotional skills so they are better equipped to handle the many challenges and problems that are a regular and often healthy part of being a growing young person. But just as important as the proactive work we do is the support we provide students and teachers when they encounter challenges.

THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDES:

Two learning support specialists

Last year the team expanded with the addition of Susie Murdock, M.Ed., so the lower and middle divisions and the Upper School both have dedicated support.

Two licensed counselors

Recognizing the growing need for oncampus counseling and support, as well as a counselor with training and experience in working with BIPOC students, Westridge hired Sheri Johnson, MFT, last fall.

Two Health Office professionals

This formerly independent office is now part of the larger student wellness team, bridging the frequent connections between physical and emotional well-being.

Two full-time Human Development (HD) faculty members

This curriculum centers on identity, relationships, and community and is intended to develop lifelong skills for wellness, resilience, and empowerment. HD moved into the Student Support Department this year.

Peer-to-Peer Program

Student support staff work collaboratively to teach Peer-to-Peer—a series of classes that train students to be active listeners and provide peer support on campus for students in need.