Employee Spotlight: Carol Foster – Going the Extra Mile
Carol Foster is a school psychologist with Nyman Associates, whose work often extends far beyond the evaluation report.
Early in her career, while working in an impoverished school district, Carol evaluated a child with severe autism. During the parent conference, she learned the family had no heat in their home. She couldn't imagine a child, especially one with autism, going home to a house without heat. So she drove to a local oil company and arranged for a delivery.
Baby Steps with Baby Clothes
Another time, she evaluated a student with a learning disability and behavior challenges. After the evaluation, his mother mentioned she had just given birth and had no baby clothes to bring the baby home from the hospital. Carol went to Macy's, bought infant clothes, and delivered them.
That act of kindness had an unexpected impact on the student. He saw that the adults at his school cared about his family. His behavior began to improve. He hugged Carol and said, "You bought baby clothes for my baby sister."
When the IEP meeting was held weeks later, his parents, who had previously mistrusted the school district, believed Carol when she said their son needed services. There was no pushback.
"The baby clothes changed all of that," Carol says. "Now they trusted me and trusted my psychological report."
Carol’s Advice to Aspiring School Psychologists:
“Know the community you serve. Build trust with the principal. Be nice to the school secretary. And get a doctorate.”
When she's not working, Carol writes children's books, reads, rides horses, sails, fishes, and listens to classical and sacred choral music. She also owns a farm; a dream that started when she was a little girl helping her dad plant seeds.
What does she value most in her work? Making sure every child's needs are met.
"I want anyone who reads one of my reports to clearly understand who that child really is — their current levels, their strengths, their experiences, and their potential."
Interested in joining a team that supports you and your desire to make a difference?
Click here to explore open roles at Point Quest Group.