Name: Mia (she/hers)
Age: 13
Grade: 8th
Mia is 13 and entering 8th grade—a creative, intelligent student with a quiet strength shaped by a difficult early start. Adopted at age six after years in foster care, Mia lives with the emotional impacts of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a condition that makes it difficult for her to trust others or form close, secure relationships. Though surrounded by people who care about her, Mia often feels disconnected—struggling to believe that support is consistent or safe.
Her past experiences have taught her to be on guard. In school, this often looks like withdrawal, defiance, or emotional outbursts when she feels threatened, rejected, or misunderstood. Even when she wants to connect, Mia finds it hard to let people in. Peers may misread her protectiveness as disinterest, and teachers may struggle to reach her through traditional approaches. She often feels like she’s on the outside looking in.
Mia came to Logos School seeking a place where she could feel safe enough to open up and grow. What she found was a trauma-informed, relationship-focused environment built around understanding—not punishment. With smaller classes, restorative practices, and a consistent support team, Mia is learning how to express her feelings, manage stress, and—most importantly—build trust with the adults and peers around her.
At Logos, Mia isn’t just surviving school—she’s beginning to thrive. Her story reminds us that healing takes time, but with the right environment, even deeply rooted wounds can begin to mend.
At a Glance: Mia’s Journey
Age: 13
Grade: 8th
Previous School Experience: Traditional public school; difficulty connecting with peers and adults; frequent emotional shutdowns or outbursts
Primary Challenges:
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Difficulty forming secure attachments with teachers, peers, and caregivers
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Emotional outbursts or withdrawal in response to perceived rejection or stress
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Social isolation and difficulty making or maintaining friendships
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Distrust of authority figures, leading to defiance or resistance
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Struggles with focus, motivation, and engagement in academics
Goals at Logos:
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Build healthy, trusting relationships with adults and peers
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Develop emotional regulation and healthy coping strategies
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Improve confidence in social settings and feel a sense of belonging
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Re-engage in academics with greater focus and self-motivation
What Mia Needs:
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Trauma-informed emotional support from consistent, caring adults
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Therapeutic services that address attachment and regulation
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A safe, structured school environment with predictable routines
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Opportunities for trust-building and social skills development
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Patience, empathy, and consistent boundaries from staff
What Mia Values:
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Security: Predictability and structure to feel safe
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Compassion: Adults and peers who lead with empathy, not judgment
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Belonging: A school environment where she’s accepted and included
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Growth: A chance to heal and develop skills to succeed emotionally and academically