Since the start of the new semester, student teacher’s assistants no longer work at the Wellness Center.

This change came once the school hired a full time secretary to work the front desk, covering the jobs of the assistants. According to the Director of the Wellness Center and Student Services, Ting Hsu Engelman, the goal was to create an environment much like the main office and counseling office with adults who greet and run sign-in sheets.

“We never had an adult presence full time here,” Hsu Engelman said. “With the adult presence, there is not a huge need to have a lot of help because that person would be managing what would be happening at the office.”

That adult is Danielle Nestore, who moved to the Wellness Center from the district office after Thanksgiving Break, and took on the role as Administrative Assistant. Because Nestore will always be at the front desk during school hours, it will be a permanent setup, Hsu Engelman said.

“I love being a part of it and interacting with students to create good vibes where they feel safe,” Nestore said. When she moved into the center, she brought her own plants to make a welcoming atmosphere.

Before the switch, TAs performed tasks such as greeting students, delivering passes, and organizing the sign-in sheets like Nestore now does. Like intern therapists and counselors, the students selected to work in the Wellness Center were required to take confidentiality training, so students would not be deterred by the TAs’ presence, Hsu Engelman said.

Ultimately, the intent of the switch was to create a more professional office.

“We simply felt that it was most appropriate to have a full time adult greeting the students as they walked into the office,” Hsu Engelman said.