The new Addictions Foundation Manitoba Counsellor for the Hanover School Division is excited to begin her second semester on the job.

Katy Scammell is the first part of a three-person team funded by the provincial government to provide Hanover’s youth with mental health and addictions support. After spending a few months growing accustomed to the position, Scammell says she now has her bearings and looks forward to becoming increasingly active in the division.

Read more: Addictions Counsellor To Be Reinstated In HSD

“At this point, my role has been mostly clinical but I’ve been kind of been testing the waters with lunch booths,” she offers, “I’m hoping this semester to start doing presentations.”

Scammell feels counseling services are essential in all walks of life, but specifically for students as many go through difficult transition periods while in school.

“It is no surprise that this is the age where youth are experimenting with different substances and alcohol and going to parties for the first time and I just want to make sure that our students have as many tools in their toolboxes as is possible.”

In her brief time with the division, Scammell says she has already begun to observe certain patterns.

“I have some students who I see on a regular basis, but I’m also seeing a trend with students who aren’t necessarily using substances themselves but come to me for advice on how to support their families or friends.”

It is that kind of openness that Scammell wants to continue developing as she matures in her role. Her objective is to create a stress-free, judgment-free environment where students can simply be themselves and divulge their issues and concerns in whatever way is easiest for them.

“It doesn’t have to be a one-on-one session like the traditional idea you might have in your head,” she notes. “We can just color and talk or put on Spotify and talk or you can bring your friend. I just want to create a comfortable space.”

Scammell says she will spend her coming weeks and months rotating between the SRSS, the Niverville High School, and any others that request her presence, educating students on substance use and teaching healthy habits.

"It's going great so far," she remarks, "I'm really happy in this division!"

The Hanover School Division says they are working on two additional hires that will compliment Scammell’s role. These wraparound positions include a psychiatric nurse and a health resources coordinator. Both will be instated in the near future.

Read more: Addictions And Mental Health Resources Being Added To HSD