Jesslyn Bolt the new trauma specialist can be found in the counseling office for students to receive help with trauma, mental or other issues.

The trauma informed mental health specialist position is funded by the Investing in Innovation (i3) grant. This Bolt will work from counselor Jeremy Riehle’s old office because Riehle’s position at the high school ended because the Small Learning Communities grant expired. Riehle now works in the junior high.

This new position will provide students with trauma and mental health counseling.

“I want to raise awareness about trauma to the students and staff, like what is trauma and how it affects us all,” Bolt said. “I would educate the staff with parts of trauma that they don’t understand and why kids experiencing trauma are having certain behaviors.”

Along with raising awareness for trauma throughout the senior high, Bolt said she understands students usually know their needs better so she will try to meet them.

“It is so important for us to listen to students and hear what they need us to do for them, while remaining open to our feedback on what is appropriate to meet those needs,” Bolt said.

According to Bolt it is important to reach a good relationship with students so they feel comfortable to visit her for help or to talk.  Junior Scott Cline also said he believes it is important for her to be open to all students.

“It is a good thing to have at the high school so students who really need the help will have someone to go to,” Cline said.