Today we’d like to introduce you to Joelisse Galarza.
Hi Joelisse, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey in social work began as a young child; ultimately, I experienced many traumas and experiences throughout my childhood. Historically, in Latinx communities, there is a notion to shove situations under the rug and “keep going,” while I developed a resiliency within my experiences, I realized my life could have been influenced by therapy at a younger age; my experiences as a child ultimately influenced my career trajectory. I started in education in 2013-2017; I looked to pursue my bachelor’s degree in education. Upon my first experience teaching in the classroom, I realized that teaching and academics could only be attained with appropriate student social and emotional support. I decided to enter the field of Social Work in 2017, pursuing my Master’s in Social Work in New York City; upon my experiences in New York, I realized the importance of mental health services in schools, specifically being able to assist students in navigating the multiple systems in which they interact with, from familial, cultural, school and the dynamic systems of their environments. Following my graduation, I decided to pursue a career in School Social Work, starting as a school-based social worker, transitioning into leadership roles, and now as the Director of Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning for a large charter school district while also pursuing my doctorate in Social Work. Over my career, I have realized the importance of student support in schools. In contrast, there have always been competing priorities in the school setting with academics and other components of educational institutions; what remains true is the need for students to have the appropriate mental health support to succeed in school.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Individuals often look at my life, accomplishments, and accolades and carry the idea that I have been given or handed my journey. What has been helpful to me is having a supportive community I can lean on, both my parents, friends, mentors, and those around me who support me. Nothing truly comes easy or smoothly; there have been many struggles, including moving to new cities and states for opportunities, long nights of studying, and isolating myself to meet specific goals; it’s been tough. We often do not have conversations about successful individuals; success comes from having so much discipline, being isolated from others, losing friendships that no longer align, and ultimately having to sacrifice in multiple facets to include loved ones. Success requires an understanding from individuals, communities, and loved ones; that is how I have been able to pursue my goals and dreams along my journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a director of mental health and social-emotional learning for a charter school network serving over 151 schools in four states and a full-time doctoral student. My specialization has always been with children, youth, and families, which has been my passion for the last 7 years. Ultimately, I am known for being in many piloted roles within my organization, which have continued even as I was promoted. As a Director, I think people may view macro social work as simple or less of a workload; consistently, on a basis, I am supporting crises, conducting mental health consultations, aligning with legal and state policies, following contracts and processes, implementing our social-emotional programming, meeting with business partners, creating and researching best practices along with so many other tasks. I am most proud of my advocacy; anyone who knows me knows I am for our families and students. In every space I step into, I am constantly thinking about what I needed as a child in the school setting; I see myself as the children within our schools; I am them, so when I am in spaces regarding our students and families, their success and wellbeing is always my top priority.
I am also most proud of my journey navigating doctoral education, full-time job responsibilities, two mentorship programs, and a fellowship. I chose to pursue a doctoral education as a lover of learning and continue to ensure I am developing myself within the social work world. Much of my research has been on the school-to-prison pipeline, specifically as it relates to trauma and the social issue of adolescent pregnancy. My direct focus is on at-risk populations within schools; ultimately, I want to influence the supportive services in schools as they are often lost within the education system. I want to be a voice and to continue to make an impact within the social work world.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
Anyone can reach out to me for presentations, navigating school-based mental health services consultations, or working with youth. Support can be provided by following my social media handles. Within the next year, I plan on developing my own therapeutic and consulting group, so be on the lookout!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thelatinaadvocate
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelisse-galarza-lcsw-374413151
- TikTok: @prboricuaaa
