Ms. Lisa Girouard
Hello!
My name is Lisa Girouard, and I am the Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Project DRIVE. This is my third school year with the Milford School District. Prior to joining the Project DRIVE team, I was employed as an Emergency and Interim Care Services clinician at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. I received my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Rivier in 2012 and have worked in a variety of mental health settings since. My passion is helping children, and I am thrilled to work with our amazing students at DRIVE!
Outside of school, I fill my time running, hiking, listening to loud music, and entertaining my toddler.
I am available and responsive, so please don't hesitate to reach out!
Phone: (603) 673-6709 ext 5201
Fax: (603) 673-9883
Email: [email protected]
License #1213
My Background:
I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and History from UNH Durham and my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Rivier College. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, licensed through the NH Board of Mental Health.
Since obtaining my Master’s degree, I have worked primarily in crisis settings. I was employed by Direction Behavioral Health, an Intensive Outpatient Program for adolescents and young adults. From there, I transitioned to the Cypress Center, a 16 bed involuntary adult inpatient psychiatric facility. I have spent the majority of my post graduate years working for the Emergency Services team at Manchester Mental Health. My primary role there was completing psychiatric assessments in both Manchester Emergency Departments; I also acted as a crisis oriented, brief, solution-focused outpatient therapist. I have also worked per diem for the ACCESS team at Southern NH Medical Center.
My Life at DRIVE:
My goal every day at Project DRIVE is to spread positivity, love, and support to our students. As the mental health counselor, I facilitate groups which focus on building social/emotional wellness. Each Friday, I facilitate Restorative Justice Talk Circles which are groups utilized to discuss interpersonal differences and discord, process emotions and come to a peaceful resolution. I also provide smaller group mediations as needed. Each day, I meet with students for 1:1 counseling and intervene as emotional dysregulation occurs within the classroom setting.
Through grant and crowdfunding, I have developed the Zen Zone. The Zen Zone is a room where our students can go to calm down, regulate their emotions and find a sense of peace during a time of emotional or behavioral dysregulation. Either myself or another staff person is present to help the student talk and utilize different coping skills provided. There is a sensory bookshelf, art supplies, music, scents, meditation tools and a plethora of other healthy coping skills to utilize within the Zen Zone. Students are enjoying this space so much, time in there is often used as an earned bonus.
I am working towards creating a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment. Meditation and mindfulness have been integrated into daily living. I am using my skill set to teach our staff mental health tools and techniques, relaxation techniques and conflict resolution skills.
I also run a food pantry with food provided by SHARE and am an active member of the district Wellness Committee.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out, say hello, and ask questions! I am always available by phone and email.
