Meet the Sage NYC Team: Dr. Tara Nelson
Posted: June 10, 2025 | Written By: Maureen Lynch | Category:
As we continue to build the Sage Alliance NYC community, we’re proud to introduce the dedicated professionals who bring both heart and expertise to our mission. Dr. Tara Nelson, our Director of Clinical Services and Outreach, brings a wealth of experience as a social worker and a deep commitment to mental health in education. In this Q&A, Dr. Nelson shares what drew her to Sage Alliance, her approach to student connection, and the powerful moments that have shaped her career.
1. What inspired you to join Sage Alliance Schools?
It is rare that you come across a school that understands the importance of mental health and ensures that students are provided with a space to meet them where they are. Mental health is very important to me as a social worker, and I knew that Sage Alliance would be the perfect job for me because of the importance of mental health component along with academics.
2. Can you share a memorable experience from your career?
I worked at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx as a social worker providing talk therapy for six years. I have worked with a diverse population of people and meeting my prior patients from the intake to termination and seeing the growth always made me feel that the work I do is essential.
3. What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
My goal for the upcoming school year is to be proactive with the students, parents, and colleagues and provide my expertise to my teammates. I look forward to working with everyone to ensure the students have the best academic journey at Sage.
4. How do you build strong connections with your students?
I would start by building a relationship with students to familiarize myself with their academic and mental health needs. I would get to know the students’ needs/wants and build on these factors to establish the relationship by allowing the students to lead.
5. What do you enjoy most about working in education?
To witness in real time the growth of a student from the first day up until graduation is the most rewarding feeling. Working and collaborating with colleagues, parents, and other support systems to ensure students reach their highest potential is monumental.
Dr. Nelson’s passion for mental health and her belief in every student’s potential are at the core of what makes Sage Alliance NYC a place of true transformation. Her clinical insight and collaborative spirit are helping to create a school environment where students feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow. We’re honored to have her as part of our leadership team and excited for the impact she’ll make in the year ahead.
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