Equality
ALLY
ABOUT
BACKGROUND
Jackie currently works as a School Psychologist in Florida, where she also serves as an LGBTQ Liaison. She has lived and worked in Florida for over 10 years. Prior to moving to Florida, Jackie worked as a School Psychologist in Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University, earning both her bachelor's degree (in Special Education) and master's degree (in School Psychology) from OSU. Additionally, she holds a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the state of Florida. Jackie's professional areas of interest include trauma-informed care, working with individuals with disabilities, the impact of poverty, crisis response & intervention, and affirmative LGBTQ therapy.
Jackie has been an ally and advocate for the LGBTQ community for most of her career. In 2010, she was selected to attend the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Safe Schools Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. While in D.C., Jackie had the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the Safe Schools Improvement Act legislation and lobbied on Capitol Hill for its sponsorship and passage.
Jackie is one of the founding members of her school district's LGBTQ Committee and has worked with colleagues in the Student Services department for the last several years to create safer, more inclusive schools for LGBTQ youth. As a School Psychologist, she has mentored and provided school-based counseling for LGBTQ teens, connected parents to local and national resources, and consulted with educators on ways to create welcoming and affirming classrooms for all students. In 2013, Jackie supported the efforts of several high school students to begin the school's first Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and served as the GSA advisor for two years.
In 2015, Jackie secured enough monetary and literary donations to begin an LGBTQ Lending Library consisting of over 60 books, as well as several magazines, brochures, and pamphlets. Resources can be "checked out" by students, parents, or educators with an overall goal of enhancing and empowering the lives of LGBTQ youth.
Jackie currently serves as the LGBTQ Liaison within the school district where she also provides school psychological services. In her role, she provides resources and professional development to educators, connects GSA advisors to one another, and, in 2017, she served as the primary author of the school district's best practices guide to assist school employees in being sensitive to the unique needs of the LGBTQ community. Additionally, Jackie facilitates communication between local and state-wide programs/agencies/organizations and her school district.
