The Kingswood Oxford community welcomes Upper School counselor Jill deRosas to Roberts.
Mrs. deRosas went to Tulane University and earned a Master’s degree in behavioral health psychology. She earned her social work degree from Loyola University New Orleans while working in admissions at Tulane. Then, she started working at schools in New Orleans.
When her husband got a job in West Hartford, Mrs. deRosas moved in down the street from Director of Wellness and Learning Specialist Jennifer Hayman-Gross.
After the adjustment to a new town and welcoming a new baby, Mrs. deRosas was ready to go back to work when the mental health counselor job opened up, and she knew KO would be a positive environment. ”[Mrs. Hayman-Gross is] obviously so welcoming and friendly,” Mrs. deRosas said, “so when I knew she worked here, I thought, ‘Oh my God, if somebody like her works there, it’s gonna be great.’”
Growing up, Mrs. deRosas always knew she wanted to work with students, but it was at 15 when she solidified the mental health aspect of her future. “ It was just important to me to create a safe space for kids in schools to find a place where they were supported,” Mrs. deRosas said.
Mrs. deRosas wants the KO community to know that her office is a cozy safe space. “ This space has gotten an incredible facelift,” Mrs. deRosas said. “It was previously this windowless room, and Ms. Velez advocated to change the green room into the counselor’s office. I like to think it’s a warm, cozy space. I always have snacks. I take requests for snacks. I do want people to know about the snacks.”
Mrs. deRosas wants students to know that her office doesn’t have to be just for sad or stressful days. “Don’t be afraid to come and just chat with me,” she said. “I like to think I’m pretty friendly, and I have a good sense of humor. Come share anything from your saddest sads to something incredibly funny, and anything in between. I’m happy to be a listening ear.”
Welcome to KO, Mrs. deRosas. We are very excited to have you and your devotion to mental health as you support our students.
