After a life of work and dedication, how did she make it here? Well we’ll start at the beginning. As a kid, she had a good life growing up. A nice family, happy mother and father, and not a lot of bad things happening in her life.
Stephanie Honaker’s dream as a kid and high schooler was to become a dental hygienist, which would’ve definitely fit her personality, but not so much her gifts. She was unable to pass necessary science classes to be able to make it into that career field, so she turned to other options.
After going through college, she ended up with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree through hard work and dedication. Before she ended up at Tuscarora High School, she worked at Frederick Health as a social worker for about 7 years, then decided to switch up her career to spend some more time with her family, which landed her this job.
Even though becoming the Behavioral Specialist of Tuscarora was a job Honaker just happened to land in, she ended up loving it. She loves working with all the kids and getting to know them, getting to talk with them and learn about who they really are. Through this though, she has found it hard sometimes. Honaker mentioned, “I tend to hold a lot of the things the kids tell me inside, so it can sometimes be hard for me to be emotionally there for everyone who needs me.”
Honaker is dedicated to her job and the students who need her help. She helps so many kids if they are anxious, depressed or even just going through a rough time. She’s always there, but we have to remember that she is only one person that can only do so much. She is also the 504 case manager for all of grade 12, and she is specially trained in restorative practices to better help her students. Her job is difficult with the amount of paperwork it entails, along with having to see kids and help them through their struggles, but she still enjoys doing it. She is great at her job, and everyone is thankful for her help and dedication to her work and the students she helps every day!
Image and information: Stephanie Honaker
