Meet Douglas Faxon, Jr., who is not actually new to St. James! He has been providing mental health counseling services to our graduates since 2021. But he recently assumed the additional role of social studies teacher and we are pleased to welcome him to the teaching team!
Tell us about your background.
I’m a lifelong Philadelphian and grew up in Mount Airy. I earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Temple University, and a master’s in criminal justice from Saint Joseph’s University. After considering careers as an urban planner or a lawyer, I began working with children and discovered I loved it! I taught middle school for a year and high school for three years, working with children who have special needs and behavioral challenges. It was very rewarding and fulfilling. In particular, I realized I loved working on the mental health side of things, learning what makes kids tick. I went back to school to earn my second master’s in counseling and psychology from Chestnut Hill College. Now, I’m pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership at Wilmington University.
What brought you to St. James?
Director of Student and Family Services Levi Lee is a former colleague. We became friends and stayed connected. I heard him talk so glowingly about St. James! In 2021, he helped connect me to the school. It’s been a love affair for me. I love working with the graduates, the students in grades 4-8, and all the staff. I learned about the opening for a social studies teacher in the fall and decided to go for it!
Does your background in counseling influence your teaching?
It really helps me develop relationships, which is the most important part of teaching. It helps me gauge where people are emotionally, meet them where they are, and direct them to where they need to go. It’s almost like a sixth sense. It guides my awareness of how safe of a space the classroom is for students.
What is your favorite part of working at St. James?
The environment, the resources, and the amount of thought and care provided help students be who they’re supposed to be. The children here know they are loved by all the staff, so they do not have walls up. I was able to begin creating connections from day one because their hearts and minds are open.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a proud dog dad to Trè. I love nature and spending time outdoors with my boyfriend Christopher. We take daily walks on the Wissahickon Trail. I also love to work out and travel. A favorite place I’ve visited was Japan.
What’s a fun fact about you?
When I was 19, I drove to California with a friend, even though I didn’t know how to drive! I was a slightly better driver by the end of the trip.