Bella Vasper, Wellness Associate
At the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, Wellness Associate Bella Vasper joined the Wellness Center staff. With interest in psychological services, Vasper is devoted to providing students with a safe space on the SCHS campus.
Vasper has been involved in the wellness field since 2017, earning her undergraduate degree in psychology and her masters degree in clinical psychology at San Jose State University. To further her experience in the field, Vasper has worked with children who have autism, has volunteered at the Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline and previously worked for Wilson High School’s wellness program.
“I’ve been able to work with a lot of students. I really enjoy getting to know students and trying my best to support them,” Vasper said. “I typically meet with students one-on-one either for check-ins, or for ongoing support.”
Outside of the wellness setting, Vasper enjoys baking cakes and cookies and spending time with her dog. In her spare time, she likes going on road trips.
“I always like driving up to San Francisco and hanging out there for the day, or down to Monterey,” Vasper said.
Vasper hopes that through her work within the campus’s wellness program, she can create a safe space for students where they can find support for their journey not just as students but as individuals.
“It’s nice to have someone they (students) can talk to who can meet them where they are,” Vasper said. “I know that there are plenty of teachers and other staff on campus that provide that (safe space) as well, but just for students to know that we are here.”
Vasper has found that her career can be challenging due to the rigor of being fully present with herself in order to assist students in being present with themselves.
“There is an element of vulnerability, so I think that you’re trying to provide this really safe space where they (students) feel like they can be themselves, be genuine and show up authentically,” Vasper said. “It also requires a bit of that in yourself, so you have to learn how to be comfortable with yourself, too. It’s just like a journey for everyone to settle into themselves.”