The 2019-2020 school year has welcomed many new additions to the North Atlanta faculty, including a new social worker Gayle Roque. Roque has worked with children for many years and has decided to use her skills to help those in need at North Atlanta. She saw a need and filled the space and hopes to bring opportunities for improvement and create more ways for students to receive help.

Roque is originally from Los Angeles but moved to Atlanta when she was a child and has lived here ever since. When she was younger she knew she wanted to work with children and teens and help fight for those who didn’t have a voice. Growing up, she always believed it was important to stand up for those who couldn’t and was taught to make a difference in society. “I’ve always believed it was important to advocate for those who can’t,” Roque said.

For college, she attended the University of Southern California and received a degree in social work. After graduating, she worked with a non-profit where she worked with unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. She brings years of experience working with children to the table. Roque is also bilingual and believes being able to speak both Spanish and English will be helpful in connecting to all students and families around North Atlanta. “Sometimes those don’t get the help they need due to a language barrier,” Roque said.

Here at North Atlanta she plans to make a big difference by creating a safe space in which students can come to talk about any problems they may have. She has created an office setup that is comforting for students and allows students the ability to relax. A corner in her office is dedicated to students with bean bags, art supplies, and sensory objects in order to create a safe space. “I believe there is always hope to help someone whether it is to create a safe space to tell you about their problems or to get them the resources they need,” Roque said. 

North Atlanta has been welcoming to Roque so far and she has enjoyed everything the school has had to offer so far. She has found that students are willing to come visit her and even bring along friends to talk to her as well. Students and parents alike are reaching out and she has been working hard to attend to everyone. “I am a busy, busy bee over here every single day,” Roque said.

Roque encourages students to stop by her office and can’t wait to get to know more North Atlanta students as the year goes on. She can help you with problems ranging from life at home to the anxieties and pressures of school. Make sure to stop by her office in room 5172 if you ever need somebody to talk to.