HCPSS Partners with Gilchrist to Offer Support Services for School Communities

August 26th, 2019

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with Gilchrist to provide grief and loss training for staff and to offer support for school communities affected by a crisis. The partnership was formalized with an official partnership signing on Wednesday, August 21 at the Sheraton Columbia Waterside Restaurant in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gilchrist representatives will collaborate with HCPSS School Psychology and Instructional Intervention staff to conduct self-care workshops for HCPSS crisis team members. Gilchrist will offer training for staff in conducting grief support groups within schools and will offer self-care services to HCPSS staff responding to crises. Gilchrist will also participate in panel discussions during professional development days, and will serve as a resource for students and parents in need of crisis services during times when school is not in session. HCPSS will conduct trainings for Gilchrist staff on responding to crises in school communities.

HCPSS Director Program Innovation and Student Well-Being Lisa Davis, Coordinator School Psychology and Instructional Intervention Cynthia Schulmeyer, and Psychologist and Chairperson HCPSS Crisis Intervention Teams J.T. Ridgely joined Gilchrist Director of Counseling and Support Diane Sancilio, Bereavement Program Manager Deborah Jones, Clinical Manager Robin Contino, Clinical Counselor Amanda Jaska and Clinical Counselor Dawn Tippett to sign the formal agreement at the August 21 event.

Gilchrist provides elder medical care, counseling, hospice and support to help people at every stage of serious illness live life to the fullest and make informed choices about their care. Since 1994, the organization has served thousands of individuals throughout Central Maryland—in homes, in skilled nursing and residential care communities, and at three inpatient hospice centers in Towson, Howard County and Baltimore.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.