This year, Mayfield Middle School has a new psychologist, Mrs. Caitlyn Kowalski. Mrs. Kowalski has been a school psychologist for eight years. She graduated from Kent State University with three degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education, Masters in School Psychology, and an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology. Before coming to Mayfield Middle School, she was a middle school teacher in two other districts.

In her own definition, she says that a psychologist is a person who helps support a student’s ability to learn and a teacher’s ability to teach. Her responsibilities vary: one day might be problem solving to help students overcome obstacles; another might include observing students; and yet another might be talking about a student’s strengths and developing plans to help him or her be more successful.

She was inspired to study psychology because of her early teaching experiences abroad. “While teaching in Australia, I didn’t have the tools to meet my students’ needs, and psychology helped me meet them,” says Mrs. Kowalski.

Mrs. Kowalski says that the best thing about being a school psychologist is the fact that every day is different, and she likes to get to see the growth in the school’s community. She says that she likes the sense of teamwork at Mayfield Middle School and how everyone works together.

Even though most of her days are exciting, she also has some difficulties in her position. “I can be pulled in many different directions,” Mrs. Kowalski states.

For those out there who want to become a psychologist when they grow up, Mrs. Kowalski says that you have to love school, spend time shadowing other people, and get a variety of views on your position.

Outside of the school day, Mrs. Kowalski likes to spend as much time as she can at home with her two children, and she also likes to travel.