Inspired by Experience to Support Children in Foster Care
Jon Parra-Tobey ’26 has a clear career plan—and passion—driving his pursuit of a degree at Mitchell College. He wants to help support kids in the foster care system, as he was as a child, and work for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). Through a combination of academic studies and an internship, he is on track to get there.
“I lived with seven different families from ages 8 to 12, when I was adopted. I came to Mitchell to prepare to work with DCF and help kids experiencing the same things I did,” he said.
Internship leads to employment
A psychology major with a criminal justice minor, Jon completed an internship at the Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London. He worked with social workers there. Upon completing his internship, he was hired as a paraprofessional, a position he has now held for two years.
He was recently named Employee of the Quarter.
“My favorite part of the job is seeing my students’ improvement over time and how excited or happy they are to see me each day. Knowing that I am making a positive difference in their growth and even confidence motivates me each day.”
Being a paraprofessional can be challenging, and Jon is often assigned to students who struggle behaviorally.
“Patience was easily the biggest struggle I had. I work closely with students who have strong emotional and behavioral needs, which made some days unpredictable. There were plenty of times when progress felt slow, and it was hard to stay calm and consistent while handling repeated behaviors and outbursts. It took some time for me to realize that every student has a different pace and just needs steady support,” he said.
“My psychology courses at Mitchell helped me realize my students aren’t just acting this way for no reason. There are deeper roots to the cause of their behavior, whether trauma or unmet learning needs. My courses helped me with seeing things I wouldn’t have normally paid mind to.”
After graduating from high school, Jon took a year off to think about what he wanted to do in life. He grew up in New London “right down the road” from Mitchell College. His mother is an alumna, so he was very familiar with what Mitchell has to offer. He kept coming back to working for DCF and knew Mitchell was the right place to pursue that goal.
“I’ve got ADHD and ADD, so I struggle sometimes with focusing, especially in larger classrooms. So, I knew Mitchell would be a smart decision for me. At Mitchell I had a relationship with my professors and received one-to-one help if I needed it. Mitchell is a great school for the things that you need. Some kids are looking for larger party schools. This is a place to come and get your education and you’re going to be good.”
Coursework and skills strengthen confidence in the workplace
Drawing on course content as a paraprofessional, Jon also uses learned skills based on the Mitchell Ability Model. This foundation for adaptability and resilience serves him well in his work every day.
“I’ve used the Mitchell Ability Model time and time again, especially critical thinking and social interaction. There have been times when I don’t have the answer or correct way to go about something and had to come up with my response or actions on the fly. I also work with many different students and coworkers and interact with them every day.”
The skills he learned also gave him the confidence to approach school administrators about a proposed change in his duties.
“I was supposed to be moved to work with another student, but I wasn’t comfortable with some of the behaviors that were occurring. At first, I didn’t want to say anything but decided I should, and I did. I was able to stay where I was.”
In pursuing his goals, he also credits the support he has gotten from faculty and staff at Mitchell.
“All of my courses have helped me with next steps in my life, as well as the people I have gotten to know. I know I can always email or text if I have questions. They will always be there to answer them.”
Next steps
Jon has taken the next step in pursuing his dream of working at DCF. He completed his degree in December 2025 and has applied to be a full-time social worker with the State of Connecticut.
He counts three people as his inspiration for pursuing this role: Professor Jennifer Mauro, associate professor at Mitchell; his mother Franca Polimeni ’95, who was a social worker with DCF; and the social worker who worked with him when he was in foster care, with whom he keeps in touch.
“They all helped me realize the potential I have in this career and have been role models through it all.”
His experience as a student at Mitchell has also broadened his horizons when thinking about the future.
“My goal has always been DCF, but, working in a school, I see other opportunities as well. School social worker or behavior interventionist are positions I could pursue down the road. Being able to give back is what excites me the most.”
