“We are all human. And sometimes a trauma reminds us that we are humans first with needs, and students second,” said Dr. Jennifer Levin, grief and trauma specialist and founder of Therapy Heals. From February 10 to 12, the Westridge Student Support Team invited Dr. Levin to Westridge for individual counseling for staff, students, and parents concerning grief and healing after the impact of the Eaton Fire. 

For middle schoolers, Levin held a self-compassion talk on February 10. In addition, on February 18, she held a virtual session to help parents care for themselves in the face of overwhelming trauma or loss. “This is the new reality,” Dr. LaFave, Director of Counseling and Student Support, said. “[We wanted to] help people think about how to be in this new reality [while being] kind to themselves and other people.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Levin also helped support students through the passing of Carol van Zalingen, the former Lower and Middle School Dean of Student Support. Levin helped Westridge create an online community program for staff, students, and parents to grieve the loss as a community. 

The recent fires have affected the whole of the Westridge community, and healing from this tragedy will not be an easy task. However, Dr. Levin offered advice on how to proceed in the wake of the fires. “After a trauma, the first thing you want to focus on is stabilization. You can’t begin healing until you are stabilized. And that looks different for everybody, because everybody’s circumstances are unique,” Dr. Levin said. 

Following stabilization, Dr. Levin noted that grievance is a critical part of the healing process. “After stabilization, grieving, [and] finding the tools to express your feelings in a healthy way, the healing slowly takes place over time. This whole process is going to go on for a long time,” she said. 

She emphasized the diversity in how students, teachers, and staff alike will go through this process. “Everybody has different experiences,” Levin said. “You need [to be] kind to others, and kind to yourself.” 

In the wake of Dr. Levin’s visits to Westridge, support remains available from the resident counselors and staff. Westridge counselors Ms. Sheri Johnson and Dr. LaFave, both trained professionals, are a resource available for students seeking support. Dr. LaFave said, “There’s a lot of adults here who understand that [life will be] different going forward. There are people here who care.” 

Dr. Levin acknowledged the importance of caring for one another and moving forward as a community. “This [tragedy] was terrifying,” she said. “And being there for one another is probably the biggest gift you can give.”