Cara Fratta had started a career in film and television production as a young adult when she began volunteering to mentor high school students. Each student she was working with was struggling for a different reason, but Cara kept hearing about a school psychologist in each of their lives who was supporting them in meaningful ways. 

“After researching the field of school psychology and speaking with a few school psychologists, I decided to change careers,” she said. As part of her graduate program, Cara began working with FCPS as a school psychology intern. She has worked with the school system for 14 years, the last 10 of those at Kilmer Center School, which serves children with disabilities and their families. 

“Mrs. Fratta’s level of compassion and expertise in her field is unmatched,” said Principal Hoang Nguyen. “Her deep love for our students is evidenced through her daily interaction and intentional engagement with them. She naturally greets students at arrival and goes out of her way to converse with students although some students may be unable to provide reciprocal responses.”

Cara said adapting social-emotional learning and support for students with complex disabilities has been one of the most rewarding parts of her job. The students Cara is working with may face barriers in communicating or attending school in a traditional setting. 

Cara’s colleagues say she has been instrumental in developing a trauma-informed space for students with significant behavioral needs. She has created methods for teaching students how to recognize overwhelming feelings in others. 

Amber Ong, FCPS school psychology supervisor, said that Cara is “a beacon of hope for her students and their families. With unwavering compassion and a deep understanding of their unique needs, she has transformed lives. 

“Cara creates a safe and nurturing environment where the students at the center can thrive,” she continues. “By fostering strong partnerships between home, school, and community, Cara creates a supportive network that empowers students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.”

After being nominated by Amber and supported by several colleagues, Cara was named School Psychologist of the Year by the Virginia Academy of School Psychologists. 

“As a school psychologist, I get to support students' mental health and learning, and help children succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally,” Cara said. “I’m able to collaborate with teachers, school staff,  families, and other related professionals in the community to foster safe and supportive learning environments both in school while also helping to build home, school, and community connections.”

In addition to her work at Kilmer Center School, Cara has also partnered with Jill’s House, a respite care facility for children with intellectual disabilities, to support and participate in a support group for parents. “She demonstrates amazing empathy and fosters a safe and caring environment where our parents feel free to vulnerably share both the challenges and the joys that raising a special child brings,” said Dana Hecht, vice president of compliance and family support at Jill’s House. 

November 11-15 is National School Psychologist Week. We celebrate the important work school psychologists do to help all students thrive. Learn more from the National Association of School Psychologists.