Southern Westchester BOCES' Center for Career Services has introduced a new Social Worker this fall: Starr Felicier.

The Brooklyn native joins the Center for Career Services after spending the last six years as a Social Worker at Lower Manhattan Arts Academy, a New York City Department of Education high school serving grades 9-12. She replaces Eileen Yip, who retired in June after 18 years at the school.

In her previous role, Ms. Felicier was the only social worker on staff, managing a steady stream of crisis intervention throughout the day.

"I called my office Grand Central," she said, describing the nonstop pace. At the Center for Career Services, where students attend for half-day CTE programs in grades 11 and 12, she has found a different rhythm — one she says allows for more meaningful, individualized connection.

“I think, for one, I will offer students just a cool, calm demeanor,” she said. “I think there is also an opportunity here to be more creative, to help push them. I think that's important — it can help us get to know somebody and help build their identity, their character.”

Ms. Felicier will also serve as the school's DASA Coordinator, a role focused on the Dignity for All Students Act. She's committed to helping students genuinely understand what DASA means and why it matters.

What excites Ms. Felicier most is the students themselves. Because they choose their CTE programs based on genuine interest in the subject, she's already found they are more engaged and motivated than students in traditional high school settings.

"Now I have hope in this generation," Starr said, "that they're going to achieve what they want to achieve."

The Center for Career Services welcomes Ms. Felicier and looks forward to the impact she'll make on students and staff.