Student Wellness

Welcome to Student Wellness!

My name is Kate Brubaker and I have been with MP&MS as our counselor for 5 years, and next year marks my 8th year as a parent in our community. I have a rising 4th grader, Jack, and rising kindergartener Zolene.

Fun facts - I was a student here from K-8th, as was my younger brother, who worked in the after care program and moonlighted as a Spanish sub. Additionally, my dad taught art in middle school way back when. It’s a real Brubaker family affair!

A bit about me - I have a degree in Communications from Emerson College in Boston, which I put to use in Los Angeles for many years, as well as a Master’s degree in Counseling & Psychology from Dominican University, right here in San Rafael. I became a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in 2016 and went on to work in high schools, a DBT clinic, owned my own practice, and briefly joined Practice San Francisco, where I worked with clients ages 13-45 but specialized in adolescents.

As a clinician, I had the opportunity to work with a range of clients. This included children, adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and some family therapy. After experiencing this kind of variety, I discovered that my strengths lie in working with children/tweens/teens. When I landed at MP&MS, I quickly realized it is the perfect fit for me. I get to work with a clientele that is authentic, passionate, and curious. Beyond that, I collaborate with an incredibly talented group of teachers and parents, supporting a whole child approach to on-campus counseling. Whether it’s working with kids one on one, in small groups, or whole class work, I get to interact with our students in a variety of ways, creating a dynamic and unique experience.

My goal is to build individual connections with our students and help create and nurture resilient, compassionate, well-rounded humans.

Thank you,

Kate Brubaker '96, P '28, '33

LMFT

Ukraine Conflict Resources

For All Ages

Helping Your Students Cope With a Violent World: Edutopia article features strategies for helping children make sense with historical perspective, feel empowered, and inspire them to feel hopeful.

How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.

Talking to Your Kids About War: Very Well Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.

How to Talk with Children About the Conflict in Ukraine: Save the Children writes about how and when to talk about war and violence with our kids.

How to Talk to Kids About Ukraine: The New York Times discusses how to speak with kids and teens about Ukraine.

News and America's Kids: How Young People Perceive and are Impacted by the News: Common Sense Media gathered a Toolkit for Parents and Educators.

Best News Sources for Kids: Common Sense Media lists the best News websites for young students.

For Elementary/Middle School Students

Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults guide their young children beyond fear and to resilience.

Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of middle school children: The American Psychological Association breaks out tips and strategies for parents and teachers of middle school-aged children.