Students stretch in LCS's Stress Less Club, which is co-facilitated by school psychologist Frantzdy V.
At first glance, the hiring of another staff member when the need arises seems routine enough. However, when the new staff member is one of less than 200 licensed psychologists in Haiti*, it goes beyond routine; it reveals a community that values the formation and well-being of students and staff alike.
In an example of Louverture Cleary School’s commitment to excellence, earlier this year the school’s leadership team hired psychologist Frantzdy V. to provide mental health support to the LCS community. Frantzdy’s hiring adds to the growing list of qualities that distinguish a Louverture Cleary School.
The idea of expanding services at LCS to include mental health support and social-emotional learning began in earnest under former LCS Head of School Ernst V. (2018-2023) as the environment in Haiti became increasingly unstable with the consecutive traumas of peyi lòk (country lockdown), the COVID pandemic, and multiple crises following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenal Moïse in July of 2021, which continue unabated today.
LCS Psychologist Frantzdy V.
While a number of qualified candidates applied for the position, Frantzdy’s investment in learning new skills and his varied experiences serving individuals of all ages at international nonprofits impressed the team. Upon his hiring, the leadership team very quickly involved him in consultations with the academic, student behavioral, campus ministry, and nurse’s offices to establish a referral and case review process.
To best meet the needs of students, Frantzdy has adopted a varied weekly schedule which includes three regular workdays and two evenings on campus, so that he is present to meet with students after school hours and to provide crisis intervention if needed. He has drop-in hours throughout the day and a group facilitation schedule to ensure that he works with each class at least three times monthly on skills for stress reduction, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, self-regulation and care, navigating grief and loss, cultivating joy, and more. He also co-facilitates the weekly Stress Less Club, which is open to all students.
Frantzdy’s presence during play and study hours has allowed him to quickly build rapport with students and staff, who have noted his approachability and kindness. As a result, he has been instrumental in identifying and linking students and their families to outside agencies and specialists when additional support is indicated.
His invaluable presence at LCS shows once again that the school is a leader and trendsetter in supporting students in mind, body, and spirit.
* While exact numbers are difficult to determine given rising levels of immigration and the displacement of the population over the past several years, 2020 estimates from Health Equity International put the number of psychologists in Haiti at just 124.
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