KidSuccess: Providing early intervention for 30 years
KidSuccess School-based Therapist Sydney Ankenbrandt completed her third year at Samuels Elementary School, and she shares her thoughts on her role and experiences with the program as she works to support students and combat the mental health crisis.
Q: Can you share a little about your role?
SA: At Samuels, my role included providing individual therapy, family psychotherapy, case management to families in need, coordinating and collaborating with school staff to provide wrap-around client support, participating in IEP/504 plan meetings as an advocate for clients’ mental health needs, providing parent coaching, and assessing clients’ and families’ needs beyond mental health.
Q: Why is school-based mental health so important?
SA: School-based therapy at the elementary level is crucial because it provides early intervention, laying the foundation for healthy emotional and social development during a time when children are still learning how to manage their feelings and cope with stress. By offering therapy at an early age, schools can teach children important coping skills, like emotional regulation, problem-solving, and resilience, which are essential for their overall well-being and academic success. Early intervention also helps identify and address mental health challenges before they escalate into more serious issues, preventing future struggles in both emotional and academic areas. Additionally, school-based therapy eliminates many barriers to mental health care, particularly for families who may face financial constraints, lack access to mental health professionals, or struggle with scheduling conflicts. Many families, especially in underserved communities, cannot afford private therapy or find it difficult to access services, but by providing therapy within the school, these challenges are minimized. It ensures that every child, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, can receive the support they need. Offering therapy at school helps reduce the stigma around seeking mental health support, normalizes the process, and makes it more accessible for students and their families. School-based therapy not only supports individual students but also contributes to creating a more empathetic and supportive school environment where emotional well-being is prioritized alongside academic achievement. These services provide a vital and proactive resource for promoting mental health and ensuring that all students can thrive emotionally and academically.
Q: What trends have you noticed over the years?
SA: I have seen an increase in suicidality among elementary school-aged children, the impact of COVID-19 on social-emotional well-being, and the rise of social media and internet use. The pandemic disrupted children's routines, led to prolonged social isolation, and caused anxiety and uncertainty, all of which contributed to a decline in mental health in general. With school closures and remote learning, children missed out on critical face-to-face interactions that help build self-esteem and social connections. Additionally, the increased time spent online, particularly on social media, has worsened these issues. Social media platforms often promote unrealistic standards of beauty and well-being, leading to comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Cyberbullying, which is more prevalent in digital spaces, also contributes to lower self-worth and emotional distress. Together, these factors—social isolation, disrupted routines, and unhealthy online environments—have significantly impacted children’s self-esteem and sense of connection.
Q: Please share something impactful that you’ve experienced as part of the KidSuccess team.
SA: One impactful aspect of my work in school-based therapy is helping students gain a deeper understanding of how their past experiences, upbringing, and background influence who they are today. I’ve had the privilege of working with several children who, through therapy, have started to connect the dots between their early life experiences and their current struggles with emotional regulation, relationships, or school performance. These insights often come from exploring how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect their behaviors and thoughts, and they can be a turning point for them in terms of self-awareness and self-compassion.
A success story involves a student who struggled with anger outbursts and social difficulties. Through therapy, they began to understand how their past trauma and family dynamics were contributing to their emotional reactions and challenges in peer interactions. As we explored ACEs and their effects, they gained greater insight into how certain behaviors were coping mechanisms they had developed in response to past adversity. This realization helped them begin to work on healthier ways to express their feelings, leading to improved relationships with peers and teachers.
Sydney and the KidSuccess team are helping students succeed every day. We are grateful for their contributions! Learn more about the KidSuccess program.