Originally from Pasadena, CA, Katrice Thabet-Chapin realized her calling to become a school psychologist about 10 years ago. She saw a need for more representation of Black and Indigenous mental health professionals who reflect the communities they serve.

“There's a special connection when families see themselves represented, allowing for richer, culturally infused conversations that strengthen bonds within the school community,” adds Thabet-Chapin.

For the past 30 years, Katrice has supported families through education—as a teacher, early learning program director, school psychologist, certified birth doula, and lactation educator.

Kennewick School District

Katrice currently serves as a school psychologist in Washington’s Kennewick School District, supporting one of its most diverse schools. 

“The collaboration between Care Options for Kids and the school district created the perfect hybrid position. A former colleague who transitioned to Care Options for Kids shared her positive experiences, and I knew it was the right fit for me.”

In her hybrid role, she works remotely four days a week for most of the month, collaborating virtually with her school team on platforms like Teams, writing reports, and planning interventions. During her in-person week, she conducts classroom observations, performs assessments, and collaborates directly with colleagues. 

“It’s a privilege to be part of this community, where I can help uplift the voices of young children and their families. I am passionate about listening to the stories of children and families, ensuring that every voice at the table is heard and valued,” adds Thabet-Chapin.

Family, Personal Accomplishments

Katrice’s proudest accomplishment is raising her four incredible daughters, ages 4, 24, 25 and 26. 

Another accomplishment has been her recent service work in Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania—experiences filled with cherished memories, friendships, and opportunities to support migrant and immigrant families in their transitions. 

“This work has enriched my role within the schools, allowing me to better understand and connect with the migrant and immigrant families I support, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment,” adds Thabet-Chapin.

In her spare time, Katrice loves animals and she has welcomed pets of all kinds into her family, from bunnies to dogs. 

She also loves books, especially audiobooks—she read over 175 last year! 

“Cardamom and lavender lattes pair perfectly with a good book and cozy blanket, especially when enjoyed by the coast.”

Katrice’s Three Tips for New School Psychologists

1. Visible, Valued, Validated: Ensure everyone leaves each meeting feeling seen, valued, and appreciated.
   
   
2. Compassion Matters: Embrace compassion and create affirming experiences.
   
   
3. Breathe: Remember to pause and connect with your breath throughout the day.

Join Our Team

Care Options for Kids partners with school districts to provide seamless support for students, integrating into the school setting to deliver speech and occupational therapy and enhancing their social, emotional, and behavioral growth so they can better access the curriculum.

At Care Options for Kids, we are committed to making a difference for our people through empowerment and encouragement to be there for themselves and their own families. We provide the choices and opportunities our people need to enhance their lives and grow their careers so they can provide better care for others. We believe in making a difference in every way, every day.

We hire speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathology assistants, school psychologists, and occupational therapists. Our community of professionals fosters growth for one another and for the kids we serve.