About Our Mission
Our Mission
At Taylor High School, we believe every student deserves access to mental health resources and a safe, supportive environment. Our vision is rooted in empowering students and staff to prioritize mental well-being.
Our dedicated staff are trained to recognize the importance of mental health and are committed to creating a culture of empathy, resilience, and open communication. They work side by side with students to foster a positive school climate where everyone feels seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Students at Taylor are not just recipients of support—they are active participants in building a community that values wellness and breaks down the stigma surrounding mental health. Through education, leadership opportunities, and peer engagement, they help drive a movement of understanding and care.
Together, our staff and students are creating a strong mental wellness foundation that extends beyond the classroom.
"It’s Okay to Not Be Okay — Meet Your Mental Health Team"
Meet Mrs. Mia
Meet Mrs. Simmonds
Meet Mrs. Bowden
About Me
Hello! My name is Mia Restaino and I am the new clinical social worker at the Corewell Wellness Center! As a graduate of THS (then known as Truman... go cougars!), it means a lot to come full circle and support the community that helped raise me. After graduating from THS, I went on to complete both my Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Social workers can have many roles (school social work, government/policy, community based, medical, child welfare) but I work as an individual therapist providing 1:1 support.
As a therapist, I work with students struggling with things like anxiety, depression, family challenges, self-esteem, communication and many other topics. Sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Appointments are held right here at the Wellness Center during your school day and we do not require students to have insurance or pay co-pays to begin therapy, which greatly reduces the typical barriers teens face when seeking therapy services due to lack of transportation, insurance, or finances.
Contact Me
If you are interested in beginning therapy services, come down to the Wellness Center or send me an email at mia.restaino@corewellhealth.org
Meet Mrs. Bowden
Meet Mrs. Simmonds
Meet Mrs. Bowden
About Me
"My name is Keesha Bowden and I am the District Resilience Coach for Taylor High School, CTE, and TVLA. My job as Resilience Coach is to support staff by teaching and coaching trauma-informed approaches to education as well as providing professional development on its impact and best practices. I support students by teaching them effective conflict resolution skills as well as emotional regulation.
I am very passionate about the work of creating Trauma-Informed and Resilient learning communities. Understanding how trauma impacts and impairs learning is critical in creating a space where ALL children can learn and thrive!"
Contact Me
Meet Mrs. Simmonds
Meet Mrs. Simmonds
Meet Mrs. Simmonds
About Me
I am the school social worker at Taylor High School. I work with all students in the building. Some of my duties are providing resources to students and families for food, clothing, hygiene products, etc; talking with students about concerns they may be having at school or at home; helping students with big emotions they may be having; running groups around certain target subjects, like anxiety, anger management, and grief; provide mediation between students when needed; give any advice that is asked. I am located by the Corewell Wellness Center, by cafeteria B. I am in the office area next to Dr. Antaya's. Some fun facts about me are I am also the Students Leading Students advisor; I started off going to college to be a nurse, but ended up switching during my second year of school to be a social worker; I am married with two cats; and I love listening to all types of music, especially Taylor Swift and progressive metal.
Contact me
Meet Mrs.Card
Meet Mrs.Louwers
Meet Mrs. Simmonds
You can find Mrs. Card in the counseling office. She works with 9th grade students;
helping them with academic, social, and interpersonal skills. Students come from middle school with many questions about graduation requirements and may need help in gaining study skills to improve grades, help with friend issues, or figuring out resources within the school. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family traveling, gardening, and fitness.
contact me
Meet Mrs.Santiz
Meet Mrs.Louwers
Meet Mrs.Louwers
About Me
I'm Mrs. Santiz. I have been working in the Taylor School District for 34 years. My bachelor's degree is in early childhood education from The University of Michigan -Dearborn. My master's degree is from Eastern Michigan University in Guidance and Counseling. I taught preschool, kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Most of my career has been spent in counseling. I have enjoyed my role as a counselor.
I am married and have two daughters who are 26 and 29 years old. I enjoy spending time with my family and dog. I enjoy watching my daughters ride their horses. I am a big animal lover, this past winter I was able to see a humpback whale up close for the first time! Traveling is at the top of my list of things to do. I look forward to exploring more places on my next trip!
Contact me
Meet Mrs.Louwers
Meet Mrs.Louwers
Meet Mrs.Louwers
About me
Hello, I am the school counselor for grades 10-12 and whose last name begins A-G. I was a teacher for 7 years and then moved to counseling where I've been for 21 years. I love to encourage students to ask if they are having an issue because at this point there is not much I haven't helped students handle. The motto for the THS Counseling Department is "I didn't know so I asked my counselor". Think of the counseling office like the Google of the school. We probably know the answer but if we don't, we help you figure it out. In school, I coach the Quiz Bowl team which I absolutely love! At home, I take care of my family but I also read a ton, work in the garden and am the proud owner of some bees.
Contact me
Meet Mr.Ford
Meet Mr.Ford
Meet Mr.Ford
About Me
Devantez Ford
School counselor at Taylor High School for students 10th-12th grade last names H-N.Some of my job duties include making schedules, academic support and check ins, peer mediation (very minimal), college and career exploration amongst a number of other things. I am located in the counseling suite near the student entrance of the building. I have the last office on the right,across from the Women's staff bathroom. A few fun facts about me. I am a Taylor school district alumni, attending school here K-12 (Racho, Myers, Brake, Truman). I was also the homecoming king my senior year.
Contact Me