By: Abril Lomeli Ruiz and Emma Langford
Philippe Kelly (Kells), Antwan Williams
New mindsets have been added to the existing operation of the Wellness Hub, benefiting students and creating valuable connections. New Wellness professionals and school staff, Antwan Williams and Philippe Kelly (Kells), are contributors to students’ needs on campus. Williams is based in the Wellness Hub, while Kells is based in the front office; but both offer the same support to students. Principal Jennifer Larson is excited about the new staff members and their careers at San Marin.
“Kells and Antwan have really strong relationships with many of the students at San Marin, and when the opportunity came for them to serve more students on campus, I said of course,” Larson said.
Larson isn’t the only one who finds Kells and Williams valuable contributors to the Wellness Hub. Audrey Whitten, Wellness Hub Navigator, has been working in the Wellness Hub for a year and sees how they are benefiting the Wellness Hub.
“Kells and Antwan bring a new and different mindset to the Wellness Hub,” Whitten said.
While Kells and Williams are on campus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, they have supported many students like junior Mia Cabrera. Cabrera is currently a part of the Wellness Hub Club and she helps with things such as the Wellness Hub fair.
“Kells and Williams have brought many new ideas to Wellness and helped out with all the activities,” Cabrera said.
Williams bounces back and forth among Marin Oaks, Novato High, and San Marin. He started last year, working with a Term, a group of young men that run into disciplinary issues, and hopes to create a safe space for young men to talk about their priorities.
“This is a place where I can continue to have some sort of impact to be a support,” Williams said.
Williams thinks he is proficient in many areas such as creative expression, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and decision-making.
“I am very skilled at listening and holding safe spaces for students,” Williams said.
Kells decided to join San Marin through a connection from Marin Oaks Principal Kessa Early, continuing to do mentorship work for students.
“Students are constantly told, but not listened to, so I want to be able to teach them something different and to own their own voice,” Kells said.
Kells can relate to how teens strive for perfection in high school. He went through rough patches during high school and wants to support students by reflecting on his challenging experiences.
“I was 15 when I got arrested, so I have a pretty good understanding of living as a 15-year-old in high school and how challenging and frustrating it can be,” Kells said.
