Relationships are primary at Chaddock and that’s what made all the difference for one of our students in Quincy. School Counselor Jennifer Stajduhar told us about Riley, who started attending our school
in middle school. During her first year here, Riley would often huddle underneath the staircase or in the corner of the school entryway instead of entering her classroom or participating in activities. Jennifer would try to connect with Riley, but she’d get little to no response.
Jennifer arranged a space to help her open up during their counseling sessions. Jennifer said she discovered that Riley’s struggle to connect and engage was rooted in a sense of safety for herself from a very young age. She was a child who had grown used to being alone and had learned to meet many of her own needs.
Once she accepted the counseling relationship they built, Riley allowed Jennifer to guide her into class- room expectations, school rules, social interactions, self-management, increasing communication of her needs, and how to cope with overwhelming senses or emotions. Riley will be a Junior this year. She manages her high school schedule and is a member of academic talent search! She’s in the moment more than she’s ever been. If she’s overwhelmed or anxious about an activity or assignment, she often will sit and listen or seek outside support.
The safe relationship Jennifer and Riley established helps her bravely face the uncertainty she feels.
Riley used to project fear and anxiety, curled into the corner of a stairwell or entryway, hoping to not be seen. Now, she walks into our school confidently with a sense of belonging.
