Celebrating National School Psychology Week: Q&A with Dr. Kenneth Reimer

Nov. 3-7 is National School Psychology Week. During this week, we recognize the school psychologists who support students’ learning, health and well-being. To celebrate, we did a Q&A with a few school psychologists to learn more about their work and what makes this role so rewarding.

How long have you been with MCPS?

I am honored to be in my 14th school year as a school psychologist, serving approximately 500 Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students in Montgomery County. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with the exceptional mental health professionals in MCPS, including pupil personnel workers, social workers, school counselors, and fellow school psychologists. 

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What inspired you to become a school psychologist? Is that what you wanted to be when you grew up? 

I was deeply inspired by the supportive teachers I had growing up and always knew I wanted to work with students. I began college with the goal of becoming a teacher; however, while attending Gallaudet University, I discovered a passion for both education and psychology, which ultimately led me to the field of school psychology.

What’s something surprising you’ve learned from working with students?

Deaf and Hard of Hearing students often miss out on incidental social learning compared to their peers, which makes supporting their development of positive social skills one of my favorite aspects of my role. When I teach a social skills lesson or run a social skills group, I find that the students teach me just as much as I teach them. Their insights and resilience continually surprise and inspire me.

What’s a small thing students or teachers can do daily that makes a difference for mental wellness?

Taking a moment each day to check in with yourself and others is incredibly important. Simple acts of kindness, such as greeting someone warmly or expressing gratitude, can have a meaningful impact on mental wellness.

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What’s something you do that makes a difference for your mental health? 

I make it a point to schedule time each day to reflect on things I am grateful for. Setting a reminder alarm to spend just two minutes journaling about something positive that made me smile has a positive impact on my mental health.

What’s the most rewarding part about being a school psychologist?

The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing students grow and thrive—from their early years in preschool to the moment they cross the stage at high school graduation. Many students face tremendous stress and challenges that impact their mental health, and it is incredibly fulfilling to help them develop coping skills and watch them apply these strategies to thrive.