Sara Sovis (Nestor)

Sara Sovis graduated from TCAPS in 2005. After graduation, she attended Kalamazoo College where she completed her Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Psychology. She completed her Teach for America ARC (Alternate Route to Certification) in 2010 and went on to earn her Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 2015.

While attending Kalamazoo College, she was able to study abroad in Thailand at the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute. She presented and published her senior thesis at the Association for Women in Psychology Conference in Rhode Island. After graduating from Kalamazoo College, she joined Teach For America and completed her student teaching in New York City, then taught in Hartford, CT at Achievement First Elementary School for a two year commitment. Sara then went on to teach first grade for two additional years and completed yoga teacher training on the side.

Sara says, "Teaching is what led me to pursue a degree in Social Work, with a desire to further educate myself to better support my students." 

After graduating from the University of Michigan, she returned to Traverse City and started working at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health as a clinical therapist. She says, "While I loved being a child and family therapist, I knew I wanted to get back into the schools to support students."

She then started working for TCAPS as a school social worker. Sara has worked at East Middle School since 2018 and says she loves her job, and is grateful to work with fabulous colleagues and students within a great school district.

During her time as a student at West Senior High School, she was a member of the Cross Country Ski Team, Tennis, Track and Field, National Honors Society, Student Senate, Student Council, Orchestra, French Club, and Rotary Leadership. She says the genuine kindness and care from staff at TCAPS helped her most to believe in herself, be a kind person in the world, and to pursue her dreams. She credits Dessie Hughes, her 6th grade teacher at Willow Hill Elementary School for her positivity and truly believing in her.

Since graduating from TCAPS, Sara says she's most proud of being a mom to her daughter, Josephine, and helping people through therapy to feel their best.

"I share my story in hopes to inspire others to connect with others outside of your job or friend group, find a mentor or mentor a youth, remember that it's never too late to try something new or change your field of study and to always believe in yourself," said Sovis.

When asked what advice she has for students today, she said "Don't be afraid to reach out for support if you are struggling. To a friend, teacher or counselor. Be kind to yourself and others. Never stop learning."