Student Assistance Services News
November 2021
Student Assistance Specialists (SASs) have expertise in the mental health and substance use field. They have master’s degrees in Social Work or Counseling and most are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions as Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors or Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners. As members of the Unified Mental Health Team, Student Assistance Specialists support LCPS initiatives that promote student connectedness, enhance student resilience and educate about mental health and substance use issues. We provide educational presentations for students and parents, restorative practices, individualized and group support, referral services, coordination with providers, staff development and consultation with parents and staff.
To find your school's SAS assignment, visit our website.
The SAS team's newest members!
Kevin Grigsby, MSW
I have worked in mental health and human services in a variety of setting for 26 years, including day and residential treatment, public schools, social services, and community-based prevention. Being in a profession in which outcomes are seen in the lives of individuals and families is priceless. Working with young people is probably the closest thing to finding the fountain of youth. I enjoy taking long nature walks in the historic village of Howardsville; conducting genealogy research; learning about history; playing tennis; African drumming; and keeping my playlist set on the Golden Era of hip hop.
Mihaela Stefan, LPC
Hello! This is my first year at LCPS and I come with almost 20 years of clinical experience in corrections, hospitals, and community settings. One of my passions is helping others increase their quality of life. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and our two rambunctious dogs.
DID YOU MISS DEA NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION TAKEBACK OCTOBER 23?
Prevention Presentations are Underway!
Our primary focus is on the developing teen brain and its vulnerability to every choice we make like sleeping habits, eating habits and exercise. We highlight that any substance use during the teen years has a powerful impact on the developing brain and causes dramatic changes that increase risk for addiction, cause or exacerbate mental illness and negatively impact academic outcomes. We challenge teens to think critically about claims made by others promoting substance use and to develop a plan with their parent to avoid or leave risky situations.
Finally, we encourage students to connect with a parent or other trusted adult, including our staff, if they have questions or concerns related to their use or the use of someone else. We remind students that Student Assistance Specialists offer confidential support and connection to help within or outside of the school. If you have any questions about prevention presentations or supports available at your school, reach out to your school's Student Assistance Specialist.
Upcoming Student Presentations:
Loudoun Valley HS 10th grade- 11/8-11/11
Rock Ridge HS 10th grade- 11/10, 11/11, 11/17, 11/18
Blue Ridge MS- 8th grade- 11/12, 11/15-11/18
Education and Support Resources
Increase Your Knowledge
https://www.lcps.org/Page/223622 - Parent/Student Substance Use information
https://www.lcps.org/Page/201540 - Alcohol Information
https://www.lcps.org/Page/184676 - Drug Information
https://www.lcps.org/Page/201538 - Tobacco and E-Cig Information
https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/ - Easy-to-read drug facts
https://www.truthinitiative.org - Tobacco and Nicotine education, advocacy and cessation resources
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/comorbidity/covid-19-resources - COVID-19 & Substance Use
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X20303992—Stanford study on vaping increasing COVID-19 risk
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets - DEA website - drug-specific information, pill identifiers, social media trends
https://www.addictionpolicy.org/addiction-a-z— Addiction Policy Forum website—provides educational videos and articles
https://starttalkingnow.org/ - Education and tips for parents on talking to their children about substance use
Support for you as a Loved One
https://www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/ - Resource for families
https://drugfree.org/article/online-support-community-for-parents-caregivers/ - Online Support Community for parents/caregivers
https://www.alanondistrict10.org/ - Support for family members of someone struggling with addiction—Zoom meetings
https://www.alanondistrict10.org/zoom-meetings—Support for children of parents struggling with addiction—Zoom meetings
https://al-anon.org/for-members/members-resources/mobile-app/ - Find online Alateen meetings
https://www.addictionpolicy.org/find-help—Addiction Policy Forum website for finding and navigating the treatment experience
Find a Treatment Provider
https://findtreatment.gov/ - SAMHSA treatment locator
1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMSHA National Helpline
https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/smart-recovery-online/ - Online Recovery Community: Self-Management and Recovery Training
https://recoverydharma.org/- Recovery community based on Buddhist Principles, virtual meetings available
https://na.org/?ID=virtual_meetings—Virtual Narcotics Anonymous meetings
https://nvintergroup.org/ - Virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
https://www.lcps.org/Page/228303 - LCPS listing of community treatment providers
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