In the aftermath of the Eaton fire that ravaged the Altadena neighborhood of Pasadena, a burned sign at Oak Knoll Montessori School (Loma Alta School) served as a stark reminder of the devastation. The fire, which occurred on Jan. 9, left a trail of destruction in its wake, impacting the lives of many students in the Pasadena Unified School District. More than 100 volunteers stepped up to provide “psychological first aid” to these students, helping them cope with the trauma and uncertainty that followed the disaster. Mental health professionals warned that normalcy was still a distant reality for those affected by the fires, with long-term trauma expected to linger.

Volunteers from the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) played a crucial role in offering mental health support to students at Pasadena Unified School District school sites. One poignant example involved a student at Sierra Madre Elementary School who found solace in a stuffed rabbit with X’s for eyes, symbolizing death. With the guidance of Tanya Ward, a project director for the mental health and school counseling unit at LACOE, the student was able to express his feelings of sadness and fear. The support provided by volunteers like Ward helped students navigate their emotions and find comfort in the midst of chaos.

As the initial wave of support waned, the district recognized the ongoing needs of students grappling with the aftermath of the fires. John Lynch, a community schools initiative coordinator for LACOE, reached out to families affected by the disaster, offering assistance with economic and housing needs. Students returning to school after the fires faced a challenging transition as they reunited with peers and tried to establish a sense of normalcy. Anna Heinbuch, a school counseling coordinator at LACOE, led efforts to provide “psychological first aid” sessions to help students process their emotions and access necessary support services. Despite the initial outpouring of support, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges as students continue to navigate the long-lasting effects of the Eaton fire.