Prevention & Intervention at New Vista
Mental Health Advocates are
master’s-level or licensed professional
mental health counselors employed by
BVSD to provide in-school, free of charge
mental health services aimed at resiliency building.
Mental Health Advocate services include:
- Crisis intervention and short-term counseling for students.
- Assist students/parents with referrals to other mental health community resources.
- Provide mental health consultation with school staff or others about a student’s mental health
- Educational presentations to the school community
Topics that can be addressed include anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, academic stress, social/relationship stress, eating/ body image, substance/drug use, sexual orientation, gender expression, trauma, family conflict, and transitions/grief/loss.
Referrals for MHA services can be made by school counseling staff and/or administrators, students and families.
New Vista's Mental Health Advocate
Alison Ajango
Mental Health Advocate
School:
720-561-6476
When I obtained my undergraduate degree in English- Literature, I hoped to eventually be a teacher. After graduating, I worked for several years in AmeriCorps programs, and was a backpacking guide for youth during the summers. Through this work I realized that my passion was a combination of the outdoors, the education system, and being an advocate/support for younger people. I earned my Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Health, Equity, and Wellness to continue a career in this field.
I admire the way that students at New Vista are seen and celebrated as individuals, and New Vista’s emphasis on community. I am so glad to be working as a part of this incredible team.