As schools throughout Washington state and the nation clamoring for more mental health support, Central Washington University (CWU) alumni are stepping up to the plate, contributing their expertise in school psychology back to the communities that raised them. A recent report from CWU highlighted the work of several graduates who have chosen to remain in Central Washington, despite a demand for bilingual school psychologists that could take them far beyond their local stomping grounds. Heath Marrs, the director of the program, shared that "Bilingual school psychologists are in extremely high demand across the country, and our graduates could go anywhere they choose," but many are opting to serve their home communities.
Among these dedicated professionals is Juan Serrano, a CWU alumnus who began his educational journey at Yakima Valley College (YVC) before moving on to CWU. His desire to provide support for communities similar to the one he grew up in led him back to Yakima. According to a CWU interview, Serrano expressed his deep connection with the community stating, "I wanted to fill that need, and that’s why I decided to pursue a college degree." The shortage of school psychologists, especially bilingual ones, has created opportunities for these graduates having had over half of the first-year cohort coming from YVC, to make impactful changes in local education systems.
Jasmin Moreno, another CWU graduate, has settled into a role within the Toppenish School District, where her bilingual skills are bridging the gap between schools and Latinx communities facing language barriers. "Since I am bilingual, I can be the middle man for the schools and the families so we can create better relationships," Moreno told CWU, highlighting her crucial role in advocating for students' needs and fostering robust connections between educators and families. Her journey started with a desire to enter the medical field, but after changing course, Moreno completed her Ed.S in School Psychology, graduating during a time when the pandemic placed unusual pressures on the educational system.
Maritza Lazcano, meanwhile, finds herself embracing the challenges and rewards as the only school psychologist at Union Gap School. She values the supportive environment and the growth she's experienced on the job, stating to CWU, "It can be difficult to navigate sometimes since I’m the only psychologist in the district. I’m also younger than a lot of the teachers, so I don’t always know who to ask for help." Lazcano has built strong partnerships with teachers, working together to distinguish learning disabilities from behavioral issues—crucial work that can redirect the trajectory of a child's education.
