Westview Middle School celebrated the unveiling of its new Eagle Therapeutic Room on Oct. 16 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The room establishes a dedicated space for student counseling, therapy and emotional wellness. School and district leadership gathered at Westview to celebrate the opening, emphasizing the vital connection between mental health support and student achievement.
The newly designed environment was tailored to host individual therapy sessions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group counseling services during the school day.
"Creating an environment where our students feel safe, heard, and supported emotionally is essential to their overall success," said William Givens, Ed.D., principal of Westview Middle School. "The Eagle Therapeutic Room is more than just a physical space. It represents our continued commitment to nurturing the whole child and providing direct, accessible care when our students need it most."
The specialized room features calm, structured settings designed to facilitate evidence-based CBT practices, allowing counselors to work with students on emotional regulation, stress management, and interpersonal skills. The facility also accommodates group counseling sessions, offering peer-to-peer support in a secure setting.
Deirdre Liddell, executive director of student support services for the Riverview Gardens School District, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating comprehensive mental health infrastructure directly into district schools.
"When we bring tailored therapeutic resources into our school buildings, we remove significant barriers to care for our students and their families," Liddell said. "This dedicated room allows our support teams to deliver targeted interventions, individual therapy, and group programming that help students build resilience, thrive academically and experience personal growth."
The opening of the Eagle Therapeutic Room aligns with broader district initiatives to provide wrap-around support services and prioritize student well-being across all grade levels.
The event was more than a ribbon-cutting. The WMS team also honored the staff who will bring this space to life:
Jaala Terry, Social Worker
Michelle Watson, Social Worker
Deontrel Brownlee, Counselor
Fetrian Hassel, Counselor
Westview Middle School thanks everyone who joined the festivities. Because of this space and these dedicated professionals, Westview students have a safe place to heal, grow and thrive.