Crescent City Schools is excited to share more about Dr. Jennifer Baudy, the new Director of the Aurora Program. For the past decade, Dr. Baudy has been a constant presence in the Crescent City Schools network. Starting as a social worker at Harriet Tubman Charter School in 2014, Dr. Baudy quickly became an integral part of the mental health team.
“I joined Crescent City Schools because it felt mission-aligned,” shared Baudy. “I’ve always been dedicated to making sure that kids had choices in their lives, and this was the place where I could really make a difference.”
Over the years, Dr. Baudy’s roles within the CCS network have evolved, reflecting her adaptability and deepening expertise. Dr. Baudy continued her own education, receiving her Doctorate of Social Work in 2018, and went on to hold multiple roles at Tubman, including the Director of Student Support.
When Aurora’s previous Program Director, Carissa Kolakauskas, accepted a new position with Crescent City Schools in Spring 2024, Dr. Baudy was a natural choice to lead the Aurora Program. Aurora is designed for students who display a wide range of behaviors and have a need for a smaller, more personalized environment with individualized social, emotional, and behavioral supports.
Although her role has changed over time, creating supportive environments for students and their families is a recurring element of Dr. Baudy’s work.
“My role as Director of the Aurora Program is about providing support,” Dr. Baudy added. “Whether it’s helping my team members clear obstacles or making sure the instructional team has what they need, it’s all about keeping us focused on serving our students and families.”
Dr. Baudy’s passion for social work was fueled by her desire to eliminate barriers to education that many people face. In her time at CCS, she has helped shape programs that address academic needs alongside helping students navigate social and emotional challenges.
“There’s so much that goes on in our world that impacts our kids,” Dr. Baudy said. “We have to be mindful of that. It’s not just about academic instruction; it’s about helping students develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.”
Dr. Baudy is excited about her new role with the Aurora Program, as well as preparing for any challenges that come her way. The Aurora Program has the capacity to serve up to 40 students, and Dr. Baudy is eager to take on new responsibilities with the help of the Aurora team.
“I’m really excited to help Aurora grow, in terms of the number of students it serves, and to continue building on what Aurora has already achieved,” she says. “We’ve had so many students experience meaningful change as a result of this program, and I want to continue that impact.”
As Dr. Baudy embarks on a new school year and a new position, she is eager to work alongside her team and find new ways to benefit students every day.
“We’re always thinking about how we can do things better,” Dr. Baudy noted. “It’s exciting to be part of a place that embodies a growth mindset and supports lifelong learning.”
