Amanda Paolino ’15: At the start of the school year, Episcopal welcomed new Psychologist Nicole Chaikin to the community as a full time participant of the Middle and Upper School student support team. After experiencing nearly a full semester working on campus, Scholium sat down with Chaikin to discuss her role within the community and her hopes for further assistance and communication with the students.
So what exactly does the title “Psychologist” entail for you at Episcopal?
Working with both the Middle and Upper school, I see myself as another form of support for the students. Whether someone is dealing with academic struggles, personal problems (e.g., social, emotional, drugs/alcohol, life at home), issues, is worried about someone else, or just wants to talk, I try to be here to fit to each student’s need. I am able to operate without a sense of formality, as I am not discipline or administration. Rather, my role is to be here and be useful, no matter what the problem may be. My hope is that I can provide students with an adult presence that is not necessarily expecting anything from them, but simply here to talk.
What can students come to you about?
I try to be both flexible and accessible and, therefore, nothing is off limits with students. They can come to me for whatever reason they want. They can even eat lunch in my room when I’m not there, as I always leave my door open. Students do not have to feel like they can only talk to me about an emotional or mental health issue. Nothing is too long or too short, too big or too small a topic for me.
How can students contact you?
Anyone can contact me in anyway. Students can email me, leave me a note, come to my office, plan with their form dean or advisor, or any other means of communication they would like. If a student does not want to schedule a meeting they can always feel free to simply stop by my office or catch me in the halls.
What is your general policy on confidentiality?
Talking with students is always private and confidential. I try to offer a private safe space; however, additional steps may be taken if a certain situation arises in which there is a potential for a student’s safety to be compromised.
How did you feel coming into the Episcopal community?
I am so happy to be here! I felt very welcomed coming into the Episcopal community by the students and faculty alike. I feel that my colleagues respect my position and confidentiality with the students.
Have you felt students are comfortable with utilizing you as a resource so far this year?
I have been pleasantly surprised. I am fortunate to be here everyday, and I am really happy that even if students are hesitant at first, once we’ve actually met they seem comfortable and more at ease.