Devin Duprey joins LWHS from the East Coast to work alongside Yuka Hachiuma. Together, they work to offer students nonjudgmental support through teen life and advise a student-led club, Bring Change 2 Mind, which raises awareness for mental health. Although she may not have a direct answer to someone’s problem, providing support and figuring out strategies is central to her role as a counselor.
Outside of her role at LWHS, Duprey enjoys listening to music, especially Tyler, the Creator, as well as various types of hip hop. She also spent much of their summer traveling, visiting Singapore and Thailand. While there, she enjoyed exploring the culture and the wide variety of delicious foods that were surprisingly budget-friendly.
Having grown up in New York City, Duprey is still learning about the Bay Area’s culture. Since relocating to the city last November, she’s enjoyed the unique landscape, especially the views from LWHS’s Ingleside campus. “You can’t get a view like that anywhere I’ve lived before,” said Duprey.
Previously, Duprey worked at an independent boarding high school in Delaware and as a community-based mental health therapist in the East Bay. She supported people ages 16-24 who have experienced homelessness, incarceration, or foster care. She believes that listening is the most valuable skill in their work field. “Whoever’s talking to me is the expert on themself,” she said.
“My work with young people stems from what I wish I had as a young person,” said Duprey. As a teenager, Duprey felt most authentic when supported by the people around them. That experience shaped her belief that building relationships is key to helping students discover their self-worth.
As the new counselor at LWHS, Duprey’s goal is to get to know the student body and understand the community and culture at Lick by attending sports games, as well as learning about being a teenager in the Bay Area. With their warmth, curiosity and dedication to listening, Duprey is excited to start her new position as a counselor at LWHS.
