EPAA Staff Spotlight: Interview with Marco Calderon, Manager of Social Services

Marco Calderon, EPAA Manager of Social Services

EPAA Staff Spotlight: Interview with Marco Calderon, Manager of Social Services

EPAA is committed to ensuring that our students and families have the resources they need to be safe, healthy, and able to pursue their dreams. One of the most impactful additions to our campus has been the Parent Student Wellbeing Space. We sat down with Marco Calderon, EPAA Manager of Social Services, who has been instrumental in creating and growing this vital space, to learn more about its origins, impact, and future goals.

How long have you been at EPAA?

I’ve been working at EPAA for seven years.

Where were you before joining EPAA?

Before coming to EPAA, I worked in Santa Clara County, where I supported minors and families dealing with chronic mental health and substance use challenges, often involving minors with a history of hospitalization.

What inspired you to join the EPAA team?

Throughout my professional career, I’ve been dedicated to supporting at-risk families, helping them navigate complex challenges. When I learned about the position at EPAA, I saw an opportunity to grow the mental health and wellbeing program and strengthen the collaborations with external service providers. I was drawn to the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families by offering consistent support and helping them move forward. It felt like the right place for me to continue creating lasting change for families at-risk.

How did the idea for the Wellbeing Space come about?

When I started at EPAA, I noticed that there wasn’t a centralized place where all our services could be housed. As a result, it was difficult to provide seamless, coordinated support to students and families. Students who were struggling emotionally would leave class in search of a quiet space, which often led to more challenges, due to a lack of supervision and communication.

Parents also faced difficulties accessing support because there wasn’t a designated location where support and services were offered. After a few years of observing these gaps, I began advocating for a dedicated space that could serve as a hub for all Wraparound Services. I shared this vision with the principal, and I’m grateful that she recognized the potential impact. Now, we have a thriving space that meets the needs of our students and families.

Is the Wellbeing Space a success? How do you measure its impact?

Yes, the Space has been incredibly successful. We now have all our services centralized in one place, including mental health providers, our Bilingual Parent Liaison, and the school health aide. To measure the impact, we’ve implemented a sign-in system that tracks the number of visits and identifies patterns of use. The high volume of visits demonstrates just how much the space is needed. Additionally, we’ve established a clear process for students who want or need to use the space, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate support.

What surprised you most about the Wellbeing Space?

I was surprised by how quickly and efficiently the space was utilized. It became clear almost immediately that there was a high demand for a space where students could reset, seek support, and manage their emotions. Seeing students embrace the space and use it in the way it was intended has been incredibly rewarding.

What are the most important issues facing students right now?

Our students face a range of challenges, including stress management, anxiety, depression, substance use, food and financial insecurity, and difficulties navigating the current political environment. These issues highlight the critical importance of providing accessible wraparound services to address the many factors impacting our students’ wellbeing.

What is your dream for the Wellbeing Space?

My dream is to expand the Wellbeing Space to include multiple private offices that can be used for counseling, family meetings, and a dedicated space for our health aide. This would allow us to further enhance the support we offer, ensuring that every student and family has access to individualized care in a comfortable, private, and safe environment.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about the Wellbeing Space or our Wraparound Services at EPAA?

I’m incredibly proud of how the Wellbeing Space has evolved and how effectively it’s being used. Students, families, staff, and providers all know that they have a safe and supportive space where they can connect, access services, and receive the care they need. This space has not only centralized services but also strengthened our community by providing a consistent place for healing, growth, and empowerment.

The Wellbeing Space at EPAA is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to support the whole student. Thanks to the vision and dedication of Marco Calderon, the support of EPAA leadership and the generosity of our donors, this space has become a beacon of hope and healing for students and families alike.

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