Everywhere we turn, we learn of the burgeoning mental health issues among our youngest and most vulnerable population—our children. These issues cross all socio-economic lines. The Canastota Public Library and Sylvia Skinner-DeFrancisco, an experienced local counselor, want to help make a difference in your kids’ lives.
This summer, we’ve paired up to offer kids an opportunity to talk openly with an experienced counselor in an informal setting. Kids will meet with Skinner-DeFrancisco on Monday afternoons this July and August in a private room at the library. This is a chance for kids to speak to their worries and concerns in an easy, safe and professional setting. Children will be placed in age-appropriate group settings for these meetings.
If you think your child, ages Kindergarten through 8th grade, would benefit from a once weekly group setting, or if you are interested in more information, please contact the library by phone at (315) 697-7030 and ask for Liz Metzger or Beth Totten.
Sylvia Skinner-DeFranciso is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a member of the Canastota-Clockville community since 1965. She began her career teaching high school English in Canastota. She also spent a year as a VISTA Volunteer. Twenty years in the Madison County Probation Department lead Skinner-DeFrancisco to her graduate work at the Syracuse University School of Social Work. She has had thirty-five years of experience in staff training and development with home visitors in the areas of peri-natal and pre-natal care; as well as private practice that has included individuals from age four to eighty-eight. Skinner-DeFrancisco is a warm, humorous and accepting person who sets people at ease and makes sharing comfortable.
The Canastota Public Library is located at 102 W. Center St., Canastota.