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Get to Know Alyson Mitchel, Coordinator of School Climate and Culture
The HCPSS Get To Know series was created to help staff learn more about system leaders in schools and offices with whom they may not typically interact. HCPSS leaders answer a mix of personal and professional questions in an effort to let all employees get to know them better. Please use this form to nominate an HCPSS leader to be featured in the series.
Why did you choose to work in education?
Every job that I've ever held involved working with young people in some capacity. I was an undergraduate psychology major and considering a career as a clinical child psychologist. I went to a Saturday session about careers in psychology and learned for the first time about the field of school psychology. I was immediately drawn to the idea of supporting young people's mental health, behavioral, and academic needs in an environment where they spent the bulk of their time. I spent about ten years as a school psychologist before moving to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
The idea that a career trajectory may not always be a linear path. This has really helped me embrace change and uncertainty because there is something to be learned from every part of my journey.
What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
I'm a pretty big sports fan and worked for a college football team for three years (Go Gators!). I also geek out about extreme weather and whenever I find some free time, I hope to become a trained volunteer weather spotter for the National Weather Service.
What is on your bucket list?
Growing up in Miami and taking Spanish in high school and college, I used to have a much better grasp on the language. I would love to take an intensive course so I could speak Spanish fluently.
What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
Granada, Spain is probably one of the most interesting places I've visited. With its proximity to North Africa and its history as a Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Catholic settlement, there is an amazing richness to the culture there. Bonus points for gorgeous weather, amazing street art and architecture, and delicious food.