As the school psychologist for Sara Harp Minter Elementary and Whitewater Middle, Dr. Jennifer Lovelace is an advocate and protector, ensuring students are healthy and happy.
Teachers or parents can refer a student, and Lovelace meets together with them to assess the situation and evaluate needs. It is a team approach to caring for the whole student.
Many people first think of school psychologists evaluating students for possible special education eligibility, but the role is much deeper.
“That’s just one of the things we do, but school psychologists can do it all,” said Lovelace. “I kind of think we’re like unicorns.”
She figured out early on that she wanted to be a doctor of some kind. She studied advanced psychology classes at Auburn University and found her passion. She did not initially know about the field of school psychology, but she was drawn to the opportunity to work in an education setting helping shape success from an early age.
“I love the idea of trying to be a brain detective and figuring out what’s going on.”
Lovelace makes it a point to be a present part of the school family, whether it is dress-up days, parades, or volunteering in the cafeteria. The activities fill up her bucket, and the relationships she carves out help make doing assessments easier.
“It can be intimidating when you’re sitting across the table and you’re talking about heavy things, but if you already know that you have a safe person there who you know is going to trust and take care of your child, it makes it easier.”
She loves being able to serve two schools and help ease the transition for students and families as they move up.
“They have a safe person, and their child already knows someone that’s over there, as well,” said Lovelace. “I can reassure them that it’s a wonderful middle school and that they’re going to love it.”
She believes in fighting for all, including the elderly and animals, but she is an especially fierce advocate and protector for ensuring children can be safe and successful.
“I want to be a voice for those who don’t have one or whose voice has been stifled or just too quiet to be heard,” she said. “I will add to their voice to make it even louder.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.
Posted 12/10/2024
