Social worker helps small students navigate big feelings 

At Washington Early Learning Center, not every important moment happens during a classroom lesson.

Sometimes, a big moment may be as simple as a student taking a deep breath. Other times, it happens as a student learns how to understand and manage their emotions. For social worker Judith Tapia, those moments are at the heart of her work.

“What I enjoy most is seeing our students’ smiling faces every day and watching the growth they make throughout the school year,” Tapia said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of those foundational years.”

Working with students from kindergarten through second grade, Tapia focuses on helping them build the emotional skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and understood.

“Whether it’s helping a child zip up a jacket, tying their shoe, lending a shoulder when someone needs to cry, or praising students for showing Eagle Pride, I want them to know they are cared for every day,” she said.

Tapia recalls working with a student who was struggling to regulate her emotions. Together, they created a coping skills box to help the student better understand how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.

“Now, when she experiences big emotions, she pauses to use the coping strategies in her box,” Tapia said. “She reflects on what triggered those feelings and works toward a healthier response.”

Watching that student begin applying those skills independently was a powerful reminder of why the work matters.

While much of Tapia’s work happens one-on-one with students, her impact extends throughout the school community. With more than two decades of experience in mental health and social work, she also supports staff and develops consistent approaches to student behavior and emotional support.

“I think people sometimes underestimate how much intentionality goes into building relationships with young learners,” she said.

By building trust and maintaining consistency, Tapia helps students develop the confidence and coping skills they need to navigate challenges.

“Once students feel safe and understood, they begin to open up, process their feelings, and learn healthy ways to cope,” she said.