From former student to school adjustment counselor

Chandi Byrne, of South Hadley may be a new face in the counseling office at Amherst Regional High School, but she has a lot of experience in the Amherst district. Her job title is Adjustment Counselor at ARHS.

Byrne first started working in the district about six years ago when she accepted a position as a paraeducator at Wildwood Elementary School, although this was initially a temporary position that she accepted while working on getting her nursing degree, she loved the experience so much she didn’t want to leave.

“I actually asked to stay because of how much I enjoyed it,” said Byrne.  

During these six years working at Wildwood, she explored the different nuances of the education field and considered honing in on a specific area of education. “Three years in, I decided to continue my work with kids in the mental health field,” said Byrne. “I did a lot that year, I finished the three-year program in two years while working full time and parenting two foster kids.” 

When asked what inspired her interest in mental health and ELL learning, she said it was some of her own struggles in school and at home as a child. 

“I have dyslexia, which always made school a bit harder for me,” said Byrne. “The biggest thing for me was learning helpful skills for my learning style to help me succeed, and that is what I aim to help children with.”

Byrne likes a lot about her job. ”Every day is different. I can help students at a difficult time and see them progress.” said Byrne. She described her work as planting the seeds to help students grow. 

One challenge is finding a healthy balance between a busy personal and professional life. “I try to walk outside during the day, that way I can mentally be my best,” she said. She credits special education teacher Rick Howes, who was her teacher at ARHS, with helping her create these systems.

At home, she recently learned how to garden and “keep plants alive.”  

“I finally learned how to be successful as of last spring in terms of plant parenting,” said Byrne, noting she is most proud of her tomato plants. 

Byrne appreciates the huge amount of support she has received at ARHS. “Everyone is very welcoming and respectful,” she said. “There are lots of helping hands and community.”