Mary Ann Tarantino has served the CIU 20 Community as a Mental Health Treatment Specialist for 15 years and will retire at the end of this school year. She says the most rewarding part of the job is connecting with youth and families to help them overcome challenges. Her advice to new mental health workers just starting out is "Do not get caught up with what kids present on the outside. On the surface it may seem like they will chew you up, but underneath they are beautiful and gentle." She credits her own self care activities like mindfulness practices, proper rest and nutrition, and daily positive affirmations for helping her maintain her impact as a mental health treatment provider for all these years.