Isabella Sanchez ’16: The Episcopal Academy Middle and Upper school has recently set forward a new student support system and hired Dr. Nicole Chaikin as the school’s psychologist. Previously, two school psychologists were present but held only part time positions in their respective sections, rarely interacting. After the realization that this may not be enough to meet student needs, EA has set in place a new program. After a lengthy six month process to find the right person, Episcopal made a decision. Dr. Cathy Hall, Assistant Head of School, identified Chaikin as the right person for the role because of, “her very engaging personality, energy, and great warmth.”
Chaikin received her bachelors from Clark university and continued her education at University of Pennsylvania and Widener University, receiving her MSW and PSYD. Chaikin held extensive experience working with seriously ill mental patients and trauma cases. Afterwards, she shifted towards working at a private practice and schools.
Now at EA, Chaikin is part of a new program being set forward in order to cater to a wider variety of students. “For some it may be just touching base and having someone to talk to. For others it may be more in conjunction with someone they have outside of school and that hav- ing someone in school may be help- ful too,” explained Chaikin. Because she will be available daily, more students will be able to contact her for any sort of guidance. Extend- ing the hours “gives us the chance to create a more consistent presence so that students, teachers, and advisors can find somebody that could play a constant role in supporting our students,” explained Hall. The school psychologist’s purpose is to be a resource for extra help for anyone who wants it. Chaikin operates on an open door policy, allowing students to set up meetings as needed. She is available to any student Monday through Thursday
from 9 until the end of the school day and Fridays from 11 until the end of the day. Chaikin concluded, “Students are absolutely welcome to contact me directly, it’s easiest by email…I hope that people will want to come by, hang out and talk.”