School News
A Word from Fayerweather's New School Counselor
My name is Anna Lingan and I am honored and delighted to join the Fayerweather Community as the new School Counselor. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Most recently, I was a school-based mental health clinician in Boston Public Schools through Franciscan Children’s Hospital, providing individual therapy to students at a K-6 school in Brighton. Most of my clinical experience has been in community-based mental health settings and schools, always striving to bring a trauma-informed and holistic lens to my work with students and families. I was drawn to Fayerweather for a variety of reasons, including its smaller community, progressive values, and mission.
In my short time here, I have seen all parts of the mission of the school in action every day. Teachers and staff exude passion for teaching and learning and encourage curiosity and play all throughout the school day. Families and teachers take a keen interest in their children’s education and overall well-being. It so far feels like an exciting place to be a school counselor where social-emotional well-being is valued by all.
While the mission as a whole speaks to me, the third pillar resonates with me most deeply: Fully knowing each child is at the heart of a great education. I have seen and experienced firsthand how authentic and trusting relationships serve as the foundation of student success and well-being. One of my favorite parts of being a social worker is having the opportunity to understand people holistically; to acknowledge and honor all parts of a whole person within their environment. While I loved school when I was younger, I would have greatly benefited from a place like FSS where making mistakes is not only normalized but encouraged, and where I always felt safe to express myself fully and authentically.
Particularly since COVID, I have noticed a change in the social-emotional and mental health needs of students, staff, and schools in general. I appreciate that FSS is a school that responds to the current and ever changing needs of the community and attempts to address themes and issues in society at large, rather than sticking with what has always been done. My primary intention over the first few months of school will be to establish authentic and trusting relationships with students, staff, and families. I aim to spend time in every classroom, getting to know students and staff and also getting a feel for the culture of the school. I also hope to support teachers and families with their students’ mental health and emotional needs, whether to provide direct interventions and support or to be a thought partner around challenges and wonders. Please do not hesitate to reach out via phone or email or introduce yourself when you are at school. It may take a few introductions before I remember all names and faces but these relationships are important to me and essential in supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of our students and families. I look forward to working with you all this year!
Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.