Jordan, DSP

What made you want to get into this field?

I got involved in the field because I enjoy supporting and mentoring young people. I’m currently pursuing my master’s and Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology because I want to work with justice-involved youth and show them how they can grow rather than just focusing on their problems. I work with young women of all backgrounds, and it’s been such a learning opportunity to connect deeply with people who have different cultures than I do.

What is an average day for you at The Jewish Board?

There isn’t really an average day, but our main goal every day is to help clients feel supported. I clock in, let everyone know I’m on-site and available for whatever needs arise, and start my rounds. With rounds, we have a checklist of who’s here to make sure everyone is accounted for and present. Then, I do progress notes or get organized for whatever evening activity we have planned. We’re making cake pops tonight, so I’m double-checking that we have what we need.

We also have our ITM group two days out a week. ITM involves a lot of mindfulness, so we often take walks to a nearby café and use the journey itself as a mindfulness activity. They’re all teenagers and still finding their voice, so when we get there, I’ll let them order to practice their independence skills.

What’s your favorite part about the work you do?

My favorite part is definitely the one-on-one conversations – ones that don’t have a curriculum behind them. I’m only a few years older than the oldest girls here, so they speak freely to me, and I also learn so much while interacting with them.

I love connecting with them after they come back from a long day. Last week, someone came and asked me about God. It was nice to listen and see that they felt trusting enough to ask me about a topic that can feel really personal. A couple of youth who aren’t normally very chatty joined the conversation, which made everything so much more meaningful for everyone.

Trust takes time, and I’m glad I can meet the girls where they are. Doing rounds and showing up is also important so they can rely on seeing me consistently, which is also really helpful. They also really appreciate that I “don’t do too much,” as they say. They feel like they can come to me instead of feeling like I’m pushing myself on them, but I’m still checking in regularly, letting them know I’m available. 

Which of our core values resonates with you most?

Treat every person with dignity. Taking a person exactly as they come and treating them how they want to be treated is something I would want for myself. Everyone deserves to be treated well, especially in my role, where I have youth who require more patience and often behave in ways contrary to their beliefs or feelings.

It’s helpful to remember that I don’t have to know exactly why someone is behaving negatively or disruptively—I just know they still deserve to be treated with patience and dignity. This mindfulness helps me in all my relationships, including with colleagues, at school, and with other personal relationships!

You spend so much time caring for others; what’s one way you practice self-care?

I love this question. I go kickboxing three days a week. It’s a chance to practice my mind-body connection and my breathing. I prefer the kickboxing gym I go to instead of a traditional gym because of the group aspect and how much you have to work together to get your workout in. I had a fitness goal that I’m proud of reaching, so now I’m just working out to maintain it.

I also read a lot. Right now, I’m reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. On my days off, I sit in this special nook at home with a cup of chai tea and immerse myself in my book. I also see movies on my own – I just saw the Barbie movie. It was incredible.

What’s the last song you listened to?

I love listening to anything by Raveena; her voice is so calm and soothing.