Working tirelessly to educate students and ensure their academic success, the staff at Westwood is known for their dedication and hard work, with teachers often at the forefront of this appreciation. However, as many students begin easing into the rigor of the school year, they find that the school has a whole team of administration, counselors, and other necessary staff who work hard behind the scenes to help all types of students succeed in many other aspects of their personal and academic life.

As Westwood’s new School Psychologist, Ms. Carrie Curnutt is the newest addition to this category of staff members. Helping support students, Ms. Curnutt primarily conducts assessments to see if a student meets eligibility for special education services. If they do, she ensures they are aided with other services like counseling and consultation with staff members. 

Attending the University of Florida, Ms. Curnutt originally planned to major in psychology, but while she was an undergraduate, she switched to majoring in special education instead.

“I had taken a class [where] we did a lot of volunteer work in special education classrooms and…I fell in love with it, so I changed my major,” Ms. Curnutt said.

After graduating with a master’s degree in special education, Ms. Curnutt taught in the realm of special education for a few years. During this time, she made the decision to go back to school to get her education specialist degree in school psychology. Later on in her academic journey,  Ms. Curnutt transitioned from working at the elementary level to working with high schoolers. 

“I feel like doing counseling with [high school students] is more productive than younger kids,” Ms. Curnutt said. “I think high school kids have a lot more insight, and I enjoy talking to older kids.”

Although Ms. Curnutt is embarking on her first year at Westwood, she has had a lot of past experience working in the Austin area, with her most recent job being at Cedar Park High School. However, she is excited to be here at Westwood now, where she hopes to have new opportunities and experiences.

“It’s always good in my job to change it up as far as environment and people that you’re working with go,” Ms. Curnutt said. “It keeps you on your toes and keeps you fresh at your job.”

Acknowledging that, although she enjoys what she does, this position does come with many responsibilities, Ms. Curnutt works hard to keep up with a busy schedule. However, when she does get time to herself, she loves to relax and explore some of her favorite hobbies.

“I am an avid reader, I like listening to true crime podcasts, and I like working out. I spend a lot of time doing active things,” Ms. Curnutt said. 

Looking forward to meeting new people, Ms. Curnutt plans on keeping a goal to enjoy her time at Westwood.

“I really like some of the students I’m working with and it’s fun to meet new staff,” Ms. Curnutt said. “Westwood is a very high-achieving school…and I’m enjoying meeting a new group of students.”