VIDA, Ore. — As the 5 year anniversary of the Holiday Farm Fireapproaches this Sunday, Kelly Shaw, a PeaceHealth counselor with the McKenzie School District, is continuing to help students, staff and families cope.
McKenzie School District buildings themselves were spared from the blaze, but the impacts of the fire, along with COVID-19 restrictions, led to students becoming weary, especially during the back-to-school season, according to Shaw.
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"You know, there is muscle memory, kind of like riding a bike. So, this time of year, just, you know, the heat, a little bit of smoke in the air, there just is that reminder, and I think we can be feeling a little bit more anxious," she said.
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Shaw is from the valley and moved back there in 2017. After experiencing fire herself, she wanted to help others going through grief, she said.
Shaw focuses on long-term care, helping children with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
"I was just having a conversation with a co-worker today about, you know, I mean I lived through the fire as well. My family's been here since the 1940s... I am a helper in this situation, but it is also personal," she said.
Since the fire's devastation, Shaw said she has seen positive strides in how students are dealing with mental health issues.