Counselors

* Re “Father Seeks Aid to Bury Children Killed in Crash,” Feb. 21.

The sudden loss of the Alfaro children has been a very traumatic experience for students and staff alike in the Oxnard Elementary School District. This tragedy in itself was traumatic enough, yet it also reactivated past traumas for a large number of students and several staff members.

As the school psychologist for Fremont Intermediate School, I had the responsibility of coordinating crisis-counseling services for the students and staff. I would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the Oxnard School District community for its efforts in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Our district came together and collectively provided support like members of an extended family.

The Pupil Services Department crisis team was phenomenal and joined with me to provide classroom, small group and individual crisis counseling to more than 100 students and several teachers. I am especially grateful to my colleagues on the team who reached out and made a positive impact on the lives of so many students and teachers.

Making such a positive difference in the life of a child is a most rewarding experience that has provided our psychologists with a sense of professional fulfillment without equal.

STEVE TOBEY

Oxnard