Christine Rosenbaum’s career began in the classroom as an English teacher at La Porte Community School Corporation, where she worked with unmotivated and disengaged students.
Though she enjoyed teaching, she soon realized her true calling involved helping students in a more personal way. This realization led her to transition from teaching to mental health counseling. Today, as a school counselor and a member of the Family and Community Engagement Services (F.A.C.E.S.) team, Rosenbaum continues to positively impact the lives of students and their families.
Rosenbaum’s path to counseling was shaped by her years in education. Working closely with students, she saw firsthand how mental health struggles could interfere with their ability to succeed in the classroom.
“I had a unique path into mental health counseling,” Rosenbaum said. “I loved teaching, but over time, I realized I could do more to help students, particularly with their mental health.”
That realization is what led her to transition into mental health counseling while still working in a school environment. This desire to provide greater support for students’ emotional and psychological needs inspired her. She loves the idea of working directly with students on their challenges and offering them the guidance they need to thrive.
Rosenbaum serves students in both middle and high schools, working with grades five through 12. Every day brings something new, and there is no “typical” day in her work.
“My role is very diverse,” she said. “One day, I might be talking one-on-one with a student worried about their family being evicted. Another day, I could be leading a grief support group, giving a presentation on vaping or offering staff training on suicide prevention.”
Her role on the F.A.C.E.S. team has extended her reach beyond the school systems and into the community. The F.A.C.E.S. program allows her to collaborate with various organizations, community boards, and agencies, bringing resources and awareness to students and their families.
“I enjoy working with the community, educating them on youth mental health, and helping them understand how they can support our students,” she said.
One of Rosenbaum’s key focuses is working with parents. She frequently holds presentations and workshops, providing parents with information on topics like social media safety and how to monitor their children’s phone use.
“Social media can be dangerous, and parents often don’t know the full extent of what’s happening in their children’s online lives,” she said.
Throughout her career, Rosenbaum has experienced several rewarding moments. One story that stands out to her is a particular thank-you note from a parent.
”One parent told me that their child wouldn’t have graduated from high school without the emotional support I provided,” Rosenbaum said. “It was a powerful reminder of why I do this work. As a counselor, I don’t always receive the kind of feedback that teachers often do, so I keep a stack of thank-you cards from students and parents.”
The field of mental health counseling can be emotionally demanding, and Rosenbaum acknowledges the challenges. She finds motivation in the positive outcomes she sees in the students and families she serves.
“I like to surround myself with positive, like-minded people, and I always make time for self-care,” she said. “I give 100% to my role, and I stay up to date with all the latest information in mental health. New learning opportunities keep me fresh and equipped to help others.”
Rosenbaum has recently incorporated programs from the national Bring Change to Mind organization, which was founded by actress Glenn Close to raise awareness about mental health. Rosenbaum has introduced new clubs like these at both the high school and middle school levels, where students work on projects aimed at reducing stigma around mental health.
“We plan activities and provide resources to students, such as information on the 988 suicide hotline,” she said.
Outside of work, Rosenbaum enjoys traveling, especially to Florida and the Caribbean, and spending time with her grandsons. She enjoys reading historical fiction and stays up-to-date on books related to youth mental health.
Rosenbaum’s work has significantly influenced her engagement with the broader community. By serving on various boards and collaborating with local agencies, she helps ensure that families have access to the resources they need.
“There are so many resources available for young people and their families,” she said. “It’s important to make sure they know where to find help when they need it.”
Rosenbaum is guided by a simple principle: treat others the way you want to be treated. This empathic motto shapes both her professional and personal life, as she continually strives to support those around her. Her work with the F.A.C.E.S. team, her dedication to students, and her commitment to mental health awareness make her a vital part of the La Porte school community. As she looks to the future, Rosenbaum remains focused on inspiring hope and providing support, helping students and families build healthier, happier lives.