Mental Health: EC Partners With Christian Health Care Center

The importance of school-based mental health services has increasingly been recognized by educators and mental health professionals as integral in providing a safe and secure environment for students.  As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring a healthy school climate, Eastern Christian School is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Christian Health Care Center, based in Wyckoff, NJ.  

Beginning with the start of the fall semester, the Christian Health Care Center will be providing a part-time counselor at the elementary and middle schools.  Additionally, this relationship allows Eastern Christian to draw on the Christian Health Care Center’s full spectrum of counseling and mental health services on an as-needed basis.  The Christian Health Care Center will be providing mental health services in a variety of areas including mental health first aid training for faculty and staff, support groups for students, and student and parent education.  

Sara Heerema will be serving as the mental health counselor at the elementary and middle schools.  Sara is a graduate of Eastern Christian School, Calvin College (BSW) and Kean University (MSW), and is a LCSW.  She has been employed by the Christian Health Care Center since 2003 in a variety of roles. She is an active member of Cedar Hill Christian Reformed Church.  Sara will be joining Paige Visser,  a graduate of Calvin College (BA), and Grand Valley State University (MSW), who serves as the high school counselor.  

Equipping all students, faculty and staff members with skills and strategies for maintaining mental health and for addressing mental health challenges will continue to be a priority as Eastern Christian School and the Christian Health Care Center partner to serve our school community.