Sheila's Story

At nine years old Sheila suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. She’s a bright girl, though, and her caregivers and social worker knew she could be having more success academically. After talking with Sheila they realized that there were social barriers in Sheila’s life that kept her from feeling like she fit in. Her caregivers worked with Sheila’s teachers, counselors, and school staff to help Sheila feel like one of the kids. But there was one barrier left to overcome. Sheila had to ride the special services bus to school. This alone made her stand out and feel awkward and they just couldn’t find a solution. So they asked for a Treehouse Educational Advocate.

When Dave, Sheila’s Treehouse advocate, got involved they came up with a simple solution. Instead of being a rider, Sheila could be the bus driver’s junior assistant. She now helps the bus driver with the special needs kids and she wears a vest that identifies her as an employee. At the end of the week she goes to the principal’s office to collect her small, but respectable, wage. Sheila loves the arrangement.

Dave also helped Sheila’s caregivers come up with a support strategy that involves incentives like hugs, beads, and special time with her soon to be adoptive parents. Together these solutions have given Sheila confidence in herself and the adults around her. Since these solutions were put into place at the beginning of the school year Sheila’s grades have improved, her night terrors have decreased, and the anxiety she felt at school only comes back occasionally.

Learn more about our Educational Advocacy program here