Candidate: Elizabeth Andersen

I am a former Duval County Public Schools educator, current small business owner, mental health counselor, wife, and mother. I was raised in Arlington, served as an educator in Duval County, and obtained my Master of Science in Mental Health from the University of North Florida.

I eventually transitioned out of the classroom and began my career as a therapist. I am a trained professional ready to help children, their families, and their teachers manage difficult emotions and behaviors, inside and outside the classroom. After receiving my state License in Mental Health Counseling, I opened my own small business, Foundations Therapy Jax, where I work part time in private practice serving the beaches communities, specializing in children and families. I manage this small business, continuing to work on the frontline as a Clinician and Supervisor at The Child Guidance Center, all while maintaining my State of Florida teaching certificate.

During my time with The Child Guidance Center, I have served in a variety of positions working with children and families in their homes and in their schools. This has given me the opportunity to spend time working not only with children and parents, but also with teachers and staff while visiting the facilities in nearly half of the schools from every district across the county.

District Two needs to elect an official with gratitude, optimism, and grit. For every decision we make, we must first ask ourselves, “How will this impact growth and development of every child and family in our county?” We already have the best professionals ready and waiting to teach our children, but we must concentrate on meeting their most basic emotional and safety needs before we can expect them to become lifelong learners, and ultimately, productive citizens and leaders in this community.

If elected, I will be the voice for the mental health of our children, a partner with our community’s most valuable organizations, and won’t stop advocating for every child’s holistic growth.

Learn more at: Andersenforduvalschoolboard.com