School social worker and mental health professional Sydnee Johnson is one new face you might have seen in the high school or elementary halls this year.
Johnson, who previously worked at Orleans Jr Sr High School, is an EMDR-certified psychotherapist who provides students with mental or emotional support.
“I have always had a passion for helping people, and I enjoy seeing people work to better their lives. Being able to help my clients and seeing them heal and overcome obstacles life throws at them makes me feel very fulfilled. Some trauma I had growing up, as well as the support I had in my life also influenced my decision to become a therapist,” said Johnson
After deciding to help people with her career, Johnson took many steps forward to achieve her goal of becoming a therapist.
Johnson majored in human services at Purdue University and social work at IU Indianapolis. She has a master’s degree in social work and will take an exam to become a licensed social worker sometime in the next few months.
After years of college and training, Johnson is contracted through an agency called Youth First.
“Youth First’s mission is to help the mental well-being of students and to help them to function better at home and school. My job is to deliver therapy services to students, help them work on coping skills, and help them find resources in the community,” said Johnson.
Johnson‘s job is to help all students, but she most commonly works with students who struggle with anxiety, difficulty regulating their emotions, and new students.
“Paoli has a large number of new students this year and some of them are struggling with adjusting to the new school and making friends. Some kids have trauma and have rough home lives. All students who struggle with these things can come to me and talk,” said Johnson.
Although Johnson is willing to talk to all students, she prefers working with older youth.
“I love the perspective high schoolers have and I love getting to see how open and vulnerable they can be. I also love the sassiness and spunk that comes with the high school age,” said Johnson.
As Johnson begins working in the schools, she has plans not only for her job at Paoli, but also for the rest of her life.
“I am very content working at the school right now. I enjoy the flexibility of the schedule. It will be nice, especially for whenever I decide to start a family. It is a great job and has great support and staff. Eventually, I would like to open up my own private practice full-time later down the road,” said Johnson.
A private practice is a professional business fully owned by an entrepreneur and not controlled or paid for by the government. If Johnson runs a private practice, she could bill clients, choose her clients, and build her schedule.
“I am at the high school in room 127 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and at the elementary school in room 095 on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Fridays, I come and go depending on the needs of the high school and elementary school. I am available by appointment if someone emails me. My schedule is pretty flexible,” said Johnson, “Don’t be afraid to stop by and talk; I am always ready to be a listening ear.”
