Kasandra Girard, Ed.S., NCSP

Began at Teachwell:

 2024

Why did you choose this field?

I choose the field of School Psychology because I love helping kids find and use their strengths to be successful at school and in life and I really enjoy helping teachers and parents understand students with special needs and all of the wonderful strengths and abilities they have.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

a movie star

What or who most inspires you?

My mother and Jesus probably inspire me the most; however, I am also inspired by watching children overcome adversity and thrive despite negative outcomes or situations.

Why Teachwell?

They have an amazing team and staff and I am looking forward to working from home and finding a greater work life balance for my family. I'm also excited to provide services to students and families who might otherwise struggle to find services due to their location.

What are you proudest of?

This is such a hard question, but professionally it would probably be when I was nominated and selected for the early career school psychologist of the year award. I'm also proud that I decided to go back to school to be a School Psychologist later in life and I was able to complete my degree while I worked and raised my kids.

How do you hope to make a difference?

I hope to make a difference for the students and families that I will serve in each of my school districts by building relationships and advocating for students' needs. I hope to always be a caring, understanding and helpful consultant/professional who can collaborate to solve problems and find solutions.

What lessons has your work life taught you?

My work life has taught me to appreciate the little things in life and to be grateful every single day for everything I have. It's also taught me that you can overcome anything with the right mindset and tools.

What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?

I've been a School Psychologist for 4 years working for an educational cooperative where I served 4 rural school districts. Prior to being a School Psychologist I spent 10 years in higher education at USD serving in several capacities but always working with students whether it was to help them find their dream career, schedule campus visits and career events or complete degree audits to make sure students have everything they need to graduate.

People would be surprised to know that I . . .