Bethany Rickard LMSW, Coordinator of Alternative Education Bright Futures Academy and Career Development Academy grades 5-12 Division: Special Programs

How long have you worked at MOBOCES?  
This is my first academic year as a coordinator.

Describe your job and responsibilities
As the lead for  Bright Futures Academy (BFA) and Career Development Academy (CDA) we look for the good in every situation. We work as a team to provide students alternative learning experiences. We are a tertiary service for students that need wraparound support, mental health support and juvenile justice support. We work closely to provide educational experiences for students that will help them graduate from high school.  I communicate daily with parents, attend CSE meetings, work closely with school districts to inform them of students’ progress. I deescalate behavioral crisis, maintain academic rigor, and support students and staff wherever needed.

What do you like most about your job?
My students. I care a lot about their success. I care about my team, and I appreciate everyone I work with. It does not matter what team you work for at MOBOCES we are one unit.  The work that we do is not easy as we work with conduct disorders, behavioral disorders, mental health disorders and learning difficulties. We give students a place to feel safe and successful. We utilize CPI, CFLR, Neighborhood Center, ICAN, professional behavioral specialists, PBIS, Check in Check Out, Project Based Learning, and next school year we will be utilizing the positivity project to enhance our character education. I feel fortunate to be in the position I am in.  I have terrific leaders above me.

Fun fact about you? I love my children and I love animals. I have a Pacific parrotlet (she is small and blue), I recently rescued a cat, poor thing was in a shelter for 3 years! I have a black lab, Vader. I also have a teenage son and an 11-year-old. They are my heart!