NewsLocal News

Actions

Kansas City school psychologist recognized for her work on a state level

kc school Psychologist recognized for her work on a state level.jpeg
Posted at 7:39 AM, May 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-16 08:39:15-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Center School District School psychologist is being recognized for her work on the state level.

Karah Chapman was awarded 2018-2019 Missouri School Psychologist of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Psychologists.

Chapman said she was very humbled by the award.

“It's weird cause I just show up everyday and I do the hard work that every school psychologist across the state and nation does and so just to be recognized, it's just not real,” Chapman said.

Chapman said Center has allowed her to bring more diverse practices and services to the district.

She works with 1,250 students ranging in age from early childhood to high school.

School psychologists work with students who may experience significant and psychological challenges.

They also team up with families to help problem solve.

“School psychologists are allies for them,” Chapman said. “We can help families understand what might be going on socially, emotionally or academically with your child and help provide resources to teach practices at home.”

With the unsettling number of school shootings, Chapman said the role of a school mental health professional is critical and it’s important for schools to create a positive learning environment.

“If we make the differences we can make in the ways that we can make them and utilize those best practices and how to engage in those positive relationship and teach children how to be safe and aware and give them a safe space to go, I think we can reduce that for sure,” Chapman said.

Many districts across the metro have a school psychologist team, including:

  • Center School District
  • Hickman Mills
  • Blue Valley
  • Kansas City Public Schools
  • Grandview
  • North Kansas City Schools
  • Lee’s Summit
  • Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
  • Olathe Public Schools
  • Shawnee Mission

To learn more about mental health staff, contact your district’s mental health team.