My name is Jennifer Small-Maza, and so happy to report that I am Sierra Vista School Psychologist for the 2022-23 school year. I have had the privilege to serve as a VUSD School Psychologist since August of 2001, and have had the opportunity to work with students with special needs from preschool through high school at sites across the district. I very much enjoyed working with Sierra Vista's K-8 students, families and staff during the previous academic year, and greatly looking forward to this school year!
I am a passionate advocate for public education; having my entire formal education (from kindergarten to graduate school) taken place in California public schools. I came to Vacaville after completing my master's degree at California State University, Sacramento, and prior to that after having earned a high-honors bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. I have witnessed in others and know personally the value and power of a good education, and am dedicated to ensuring that ALL students, with their unique and varied abilities, are provided equitable access to learning and to enjoy the opportunities that a solid education makes possible.
As an idealistic person who truly believes that this world can become a better place for us all, I feel a strong intrinsic drive to use my life as an instrument for good. As a nurturer I gain great personal satisfaction by helping others realize their potential; finding a natural fit working within an educational institution that shares this goal at the core of its mission. As a support-staff member at Sierra Vista I greatly look forward to opportunities to support students' ability to learn, as well as teachers' ability to teach. As a School Psychologist with an educational background in mental health, learning and behavior I look forward to working as part of the Grizzly team to help Sierra Vista's children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. Working with Sierra Vista's students and families, I look forward to being part of a team that creates safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the wider community.
As a public servant for more than 20 years, I am a great believer in the importance of investing in ones' self; making mindfulness and meditative practices a part of my daily life for many years now -continuing to cultivate attitudes of non-judgment, patience, acceptance, trust, courage, and living in ways that are aligned with my deeply-held values and ethics. I greatly enjoy the process of learning, and aim to do so on a continuous basis, and believe that I can learn from anyone and everyone!
With all of my best, this year and beyond,
Jennifer Small-Maza, MS, NCSP
Email: [email protected]
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