Middle School Counselor Laura Locher Featured in Baltimore Fishbowl Article

When Middle School students at Friends visit their counselor, licensed clinical social worker Laura Locher, they’re also greeted by Stossel, her golden retriever–lab retriever mix. Locher affectionately calls him her “therapy associate.” “The kids are obsessed with him,” she says. “If a student is crying in my office, he’ll lick their tears.”

Laura was recently featured in the Baltimore Fishbowl for her insights on how schools can support students’ mental health. In the article, she highlights the many ways Friends integrates mental health awareness into daily life, from classroom lessons to community practices rooted in Quaker values.

In Middle School, students take a weekly Social Emotional Learning and Identity (SELI) class that develops self-awareness, social awareness, interpersonal skills, and self-regulation. Through discussions and projects—including eighth graders’ Mental Health Public Service Announcements—students learn about issues like depression, online bullying, and eating disorders, and how to seek help for themselves or others. Beyond the classroom, students lead efforts such as the Mental Health Club, which raises awareness and funds for organizations like Morgan’s Message.

Friends also partners with national groups, including NAMI Baltimore and Bringing Change to Mind, ensuring that students are part of a larger conversation to reduce stigma and expand support for those facing challenges.

Grounded in Quaker practice and values, Friends emphasizes mindfulness, reflection, and compassion—reminding students of the Light within every individual and the importance of caring for one another. Small class sizes and close teacher-student relationships further strengthen this safety net, allowing adults to notice changes early and connect families with the right resources.

Read the full article in the Baltimore Fishbowl here: Mental Health Is Part of the Curriculum