FYI is excited to announce the ongoing collaboration between educators and clinicians ! The Clinical and Community Wellness Department and now the Elementary Education Department continue to deepen through the expansion of the Elementary C.A.R.E. Team initiative. Rooted in shared values of Compassion, Accountability, Restorative practice, and Educational Equity, this growing partnership brings educators and clinicians together to provide holistic, culturally responsive support to students and families. The team is led by Andry Marcano, M.Ed, Associate Director of Education and Beatriz R. Oliva, LMHC, PhDc Deputy Director of Clinical Services and Community Wellness. Andry and Beatriz are Uptown-born and raised leaders who strongly believe in community. Their leadership reflects a deep commitment to healing-centered work, access, equity, and uplifting the voices of the neighborhoods they call home.
From student to educator, Alondra Martinez, a Luperon High School alum and current teacher, remains connected to the FYI community, reflecting our deep commitment to nurturing youth leadership from adolescence into adulthood. Shay Loos, a Mental Health Counseling graduate student, first joined FYI last spring and will continue supporting students in our Amistad Dual Language Program this upcoming fall. With a deep commitment to youth development and a trauma-responsive approach, both Shay and Alondra center connection, emotional safety, and co-regulation in their work, creating supportive spaces where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead with confidence.
The team works across systems to ensure every student receives trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally affirming care. Whether navigating IEPs, behavioral challenges, or mental health needs, we're here to listen, advocate, and walk alongside our young people and their families every step of the way. Together, educators and clinicians are co-creating a shared framework that ensures students and families receive consistent, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care - both in the classroom and beyond!
For the first two weeks of camp, the CARE Team observed classroom dynamics, reviewed accommodation plans, and strengthened SEL and other programming supports. They continue these efforts by creating “Cozy Corners” to support participant self-regulation while remaining present in the community of their peers; provided real-time coaching to staff on positive, non-punitive behavior strategies; and embedded personalized support directly within classroom routines. These efforts are building trusting, emotionally safe environments where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
