Silver City, NM, March 25, 2024—Laruni Witty will be the guest speaker at the April 2nd PFLAG meeting, 6:00 PM, at the Unitarian Universlist Fellowship, 3845 N. Swan. The public is invited, and light refreshments will be served.

Witty supervises the wellness room at La Plata Middle School. He is currently pursuing a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Western New Mexico University.

Witty states, “I got connected with the Silver Schools as an intern. The district administrators proactively reached out to WNMU to identify potential candidates who could contribute meaningfully to this initiative. Through this partnership, I seized the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, aligning with my passion for supporting students. I was honored to be selected by a committee of district administrators and staff to spearhead the wellness room initiative at La Plata Middle School.

This appointment reflects both my education in mental health and counseling practices as well as my dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. My involvement in shaping the vision for wellness rooms across the district is driven by a shared commitment to providing students with the support they need to overcome mental health challenges that may otherwise hinder their academic achievements and overall well-being.”

Witty continues, “This collaborative effort underscores the importance of bridging academia with practical application, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs. As we continue to develop the wellness rooms throughout the district, I am excited to contribute to the growth and success of this vital resource for student well-being.”

PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. For more information, call 575-590-8797 o