Meet Sandie Belli
Tell us about yourself, what brought you to Coupeville?
Hi, I’m Sandie Belli, the new Student Assistance Professional (SAP) and part of a Washington state initiative called “Project Success.” In 2020 I moved to Washington from Western Colorado to be closer to family and totally love the PNW! Last fall I got married and moved to Oak Harbor where my husband lives. My experience is a combination of education, work, and parenting a child on the Autism Spectrum (she taught me a lot). I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology. Over the years, I've worked with children and families in Education, Mental Health, and Developmental Disabilities. Family is important to me and in addition to my husband, my family includes three wonderful children, a couple of in-laws, three of the cutest granddaughters ever, and a funny, senior cat named Merlin.
Why is supporting children that are served by the Student Support Service Programs important to you?
I’m passionate about providing support for children and families and have observed professionally and personally how a little help can go a long way. When my children were young, we needed help and we were blessed by caring people who followed their hearts and shared with us. I remember a time when my oldest son desperately needed shoes and the cost of a new pair was not in our tiny budget. Miraculously someone brought us a bag of boy’s clothes that included a nice, gently used pair of sneakers. The sneakers were a blessing, however the feeling that someone cared enough to think of us was an even bigger blessing that helped us along the way to better times.
How does support to the 2nd annual Student Support Service Resource Fair help you make a difference in family's lives?
The Project Success Program is all about decreasing and/or preventing mental health and substance use challenges. When families have necessities, it supports their sense of wellbeing, which in turn decreases the likelihood that mental health or substance use disorders will occur. I’ve found that linking families to resources and supporting them while they are being connected is effective and empowering.
Any final message for our community?
I would like to thank you all for the warm welcome I’ve received from the school and community. The unique and friendly community and the beautiful things to see and do here are so much fun! I’m looking forward to future Chocolate Walks, Musselfest, and most of all serving the students and families in Coupeville.
How Can You Get Involved?
If you would like to support the efforts that Sandie is most passionate about, please consider supporting the Student Support Services Fair.
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