Spotlight on FSSTT Techs
(Part 1)
by Marilyn Santucci
The FSSTT was established in 1995 to support students facing behavioral, social, and emotional challenges.
Dr. Mounir Samy, one of the founders, captured our mission best: “FSSTT is helping the student and their families where they are, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.”
The FSSTT team is dedicated to fostering strong, trusting relationships among FSSTT staff, students, and their families. Their primary goal is to empower students, families, and school teams by building their capacity to navigate challenges effectively. Collaboration between educators and school professionals, along with ongoing professional development in mental health and social-emotional learning, remains at the core of their work.
We interviewed four FSSTT technicians to gain insight into their roles, the significance of their work, and more.
Shaina Carrissa Beryl James, Horizon High School
Marilyn Santucci: How did you become a FSSTT Tech?
Shaina Carrissa Beryl James: I became acquainted with the Lester B Pearson School Board as a parent. There was a situation at my son’s school. I had the opportunity to work there, which meant I could help keep an eye on things, so I became a lunch monitor, I worked in the daycare department. Then I became an Integration Aide and worked my way up to a Special Education Technician.
Once there, I met Karen Hebert, and a few years down the road we were able to work together again for a brief period. During that period, she said I would be perfect for the FSSTT Tech role. She told me about an opportunity at Verdun Elementary as a replacement, I took the job, and I had the pleasure of working under Cat Tull. Her guidance allowed me to be true to who I am while developing the skills needed to be supportive of the families and communities I was working within. This experience secured me a place and I felt at home under the FSSTT role. This department is a family. Now I have come back to work with Karen at Horizon High School, it’s like a full circle moment for me.
M.S.: Why is the role important?
S.C.B.J.: This role is important because there seems to be a disconnect within our community and this is unfortunate to see. I’m a firm believer that it takes a village to raise children, and we are losing that village. The students are drowning in their own thoughts, on social media, at school and in their home life.
This role allows us an understanding of the different changes and challenges that are happening within society and in the household. Often, students don’t feel like they have a platform to be seen, heard or felt and this is challenging for all parties. This role allows us to help students to develop their voices and means of communication in a respectful manner.
This FSSTT role creates a balance for both the students and the parents while working within the school system. I see the FSSTT Tech role as a bridge where we close the gap and where the students and families have a place to express and feel heard, seen and understood. As a third party, I can help mediate the situation(s) not only for the parents and kids but for the school as well.
M.S.: What is one of your favourite moments from the past year?
S.C.B.J.: Coming to a new school, my favorite moment is the bond that I’ve already created with the students. It’s refreshing to know that walking down hallways, even though I may not know every student by name, they know who I am. That they feel seen and heard by me. Being new at Horizon, it’s rewarding to see with regardless of how overwhelming things can get positive connections and bonds can be created with the students and their families no matter their pasts, and this speaks volumes.
I live by the motto that no matter our current situation, it does not define our destination.
Joanne Graham, Lasalle Community Comprehensive High School
M.S.: How did you become a FSSTT Tech?
Joanne Graham: I was recommended by my Vanier Special Care Counselling program teacher back in 1999 to apply for this post as he saw it as a good fit for my style of work that I did and the person I was. At the time, it was Scott Waugh who was the coordinator of my team and was looking for specific people to be able to work in the position. I loved the philosophy of our team and how it came to be and wanted to be able to reach families and students who needed support with their social, emotional, behavioral difficulties within the community I lived in. I loved the concept of being a part of a multidisciplinary team and having the support of the FSSTT and the professional development it continued to have still to this day. I started my journey with the FSSTT in 2003 I believe. Funny enough I have wanted this to be my career since I was 8 years old, to be able to support at-risk youth.
M.S.: What does a school-family partnership look like in your day-to-day work in your school?
J.G.: I try to build connections of support and comfort to the families that I support by keeping them in the know of how their child is progressing and building their development. I try to have parent or guardian phone calls, in person meetings, and parent-guardian session evenings. Based on the feedback I receive, I believe the parents feel a sense of belonging and comfort when doing this the right way that is non-threatening as some have not had positive school experiences themselves or for their child over the years.
M.S.: What is one of your favourite memories from you this past year?
J.G.: My favorite memory from this past year is meeting parents whom I used to support who now have children in high school and it is a pleasure to be able to support them and their kids when trust and relationship with me has been established for a long time. It brings me great joy to sit and speak with them and catch up on how it has been going for them over time.
M.S.: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
J.G.: My daily passions are being an anti-racist educator, implementing several social emotional groups on a yearly basis, supporting students individually, continuing my RUN FOR IT afterschool physical and mental wellness program, and lastly, building and developing my THRIVE program is an accomplishment that I hope to be able to help other schools build and establish for their schools one day.
2 Responses
Well done Shaina! Horizon School is fortunate to have such a strong, intelligent woman. You are a wonderful role model for the students with your positive attitude. You are a guide and support for the parents who need someone to listen to their concerns. You are a voice for every child!!
Congratulations Mrs. Joanne Graham You truly put your heart into your work! You are Amazing and so dedicated. Your passion for helping students and families is inspiring!