At Unity Point School, Aleza Berube is the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant for birth to 3-year-olds and the Pre-K Family Circle program. In addition, Aleza is the Director of School-Based and Outpatient Services for the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center. Aleza and her team provide essential mental health support, partnering with Unity Point to ensure students, staff, and families receive the care they need to thrive.

The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center, headquartered in Southern Illinois, focuses on providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health services, particularly for children who have experienced trauma. Led by Executive Director Dr. Matt Buckman, a child psychologist, the center collaborates with schools like Unity Point to create tailored programs that address the unique needs of their communities.

At Unity Point, the partnership includes three more dedicated clinicians: Jasmine Berry, Annie Ramirez, and Melissa Cawthon. These professionals specialize in working with different age groups, ensuring comprehensive support from Pre-K through middle school. “We have a clinician on-site every day of the week,” Aleza explains. “Our goal is to make services accessible, consistent, and impactful.”

Aleza spends one morning a week at Unity Point, where her work ranges from consulting with teachers to leading social-emotional learning sessions for students. On a recent visit, she taught a lesson to Pre-K students on calming techniques and using kind words with friends. “It’s about equipping them with skills early on,” she says. She also provides reflective supervision for staff, helping them navigate challenges and enhance their teaching strategies.

For Aleza, the work is deeply fulfilling. “I love my job,” she shares. “Supporting students, families, and educators in this way is incredibly rewarding.” Her efforts are part of a broader initiative to create a supportive environment where every child can succeed academically and emotionally.

The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center operates under a model that combines grant funding with Medicaid and private insurance billing to sustain its programs long-term. This approach ensures that services remain accessible even as initial funding sources evolve. “We want to make sure these programs are here to stay,” Aleza emphasizes. Unity Point’s commitment to the whole child aligns perfectly with the center’s mission, making the partnership a natural fit.

One unique resource brought to Unity Point by the center is a mobile RV clinic parked on-site. This space provides a private, welcoming environment for counseling sessions, complementing the work done in the school’s main building. “It’s all about meeting students where they are,” Aleza says.

Aleza also highlights the importance of Unity Point’s Birth to Three program, which supports families during one of the most critical developmental periods for children. This free service includes weekly or biweekly home visits from trained educators who provide parenting tips, educational materials, and essential supplies like diapers and books. “Research shows that birth to three is a vital time for brain development and attachment,” Aleza explains. “This program has a lasting impact on families for generations.”

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the center’s services. While clinicians collaborate with teachers and staff as needed, all sessions remain HIPAA-compliant, ensuring families can trust the privacy of their interactions. “Our clinicians are highly trained professionals with a passion for helping children,” Aleza says. “We want parents to feel confident that their kids are in good hands.”

Families can access the center’s services through Medicaid, private insurance, or grant funding. For those without coverage, special arrangements are made to ensure no child goes without support. “Our priority is making sure every student gets the help they need,” Aleza emphasizes.

The Stress and Trauma Treatment Center’s work at Unity Point School exemplifies the power of community partnerships. By providing mental health services directly within the school, Aleza and her team remove barriers to access, allowing students to focus on learning and growth. “We’re here to help families feel supported in every way possible,” she says.

For Aleza, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the positive changes in the students and families she serves. “When a child learns to manage their emotions or a family feels more connected, it makes all the effort worthwhile,” she shares. Through her dedication and expertise, Aleza is helping Unity Point School fulfill its mission of serving its diverse community with pride and care.

As Unity Point continues to prioritize the well-being of its students and families, the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center remains a vital partner. Together, they are building a brighter future—one student, one family, and one day at a time.