Findley Looks to Add Mental Health Therapist

Pathway to Findley’s Mental Health Partnership

Findley Elementary School is reimagining what public education can be. Through our Big Dream initiative, we are charting a course towards a public education experience unlike any other and one that meets the needs of our students and families today and beyond. Our work of transitioning our school to Montessori for grades K-5, the addition of 6th grade to our school, and start of a transition to a 4-day learning week and extended school year are just a few aspects of our Big Dream. Central to our Big Dream, however, is providing a unique set of mental health services for our students in the school setting.

Through our partnership with John Deere Financial and the John Deere Foundation, we are blazing a trail for what mental health services in John Deere communities and public schools can be. Thanks to the generous support of the John Deere Foundation through a $240,000 grant and their priority of improving the lives and well-being of individuals, Findley is preparing to offer mental health services in the school setting through a six-year mental health pilot program.

Findley is in the heart of the north side of Des Moines and serves just over 330 students and their families. At Findley we believe in creating a different experience for those we serve. Through our partnerships and work with By Degrees, John Deere Financial, The Kennedy Center Turnaround Arts program, Schools for Rigor, and many more, we have established a school that is focused on supporting the whole child, preparing students for post-secondary success, and Building Big Dreamers and High Achievers.

At Findley we are grounded in our five core values of Collaboration, Growth, Equity, Integrity, and Adaptability. These core values guide us in our work and keep us focused on what matters. Our students, families, partners, and guests tell us that Findley stands out and serves as an example of what schools can be. Our values, traditions, and innovation ensure that we can continue to be that example.

If you are a mental health provider, we invite you to consider joining Findley in this unique opportunity to provide mental health services for our students. In addition to providing one-on-one mental health therapy, you will collaborate in the design and implementation of a therapeutic classroom, support small groups of students in skill/therapy groups, and serve as a resource for staff and families in developing mental health awareness and skills.

Find out more about this opportunity by reaching out to Katie Issa at  Kathleen.Issa@dmschools.org with any questions.

Details of the position can be found here: Mental Health School Based Agency Provider Role