Oscar Patterson Elementary’s mental health professional always puts others first

PANAMA CITY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Being a mental health professional at an elementary school is a very serious and vital job. From constantly checking in on them to making sure they are heard, the role requires plenty of patience and love.

Oscar Patterson Elementary’s mental health professional J.T. Kinnear is in his second year at the school. His personality is always the first thing about him that shines through to all who he encounters.

“J.T. is very fun-loving, he is very caring, and he always goes above and beyond what you ask him to do.” Charlotte Blue, Oscar Patterson’s Elementary School principal said.

When you ask Kinnear himself, it’s made abundantly clear that he always puts others first and makes sure everyone especially the kids feels special.

“It’s always that interaction with them. Always kind of doing that check-in with them and just kind of making sure that they see that you’re visible, that you’re somebody who’s here. That if they need something that you’re available to talk to or they can go and ask for some extra help with.” J.T. Kinnear, registered clinical social worker intern said.

His co-workers simply love having Kinnear around the campus. He is always the first to lend a helping hand and do more than what his job requires of him.

“He helps out in so many different ways that are not his job that we are so appreciative to have him. He always goes above and beyond anything we ask him to do. He’s always willing to do it, so we are definitely excited to have him on our team.” Charlotte Blue added.

One of Kinnear’s favorite parts about his job at the school is that he is able to help instill lifelong values and lessons in his kids at a young age.

“That’s the exciting part for me is that I can help teach and give those tools to students and we may not see the fruits of the actions right then, but we know that we’re giving them the tools and that one day it’s going to make that connection for them.” J.T. Kinnear went on to say.

His co-workers hold Kinnear in a very high regard.

“He’s dedicated to his job, and dedicated to doing a job successfully, and that’s important.” Blue said.

That’s what makes J.T. Kinnear a class act.

If there is someone who you believe is a class act, you can nominate them on our website .

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