Stacy Liss, 58, is a Jersey Shore resident but forever a New Yorker at heart. Originally from Brooklyn, she has been a licensed clinical social worker for the last 29 years. Stacy enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, and practicing yoga. She is committed to spending time with family and nurturing community relationships and friendships. Stacy is the clinical supervisor of the school-based youth services program (known as "The Source") at Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver, New Jersey. The Source offers counseling services, prevention programming, advocacy, academic support, and family engagement to the student community. Stacy plans to retire from her position at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
While she has been critical to the growth and success of The Source at Red Bank Regional High School over the last 25 years, she is ready to embrace a new chapter in her life. For Stacy, it was essential to step away from her position at The Source on a high note. "While I love the work and find it incredibly rewarding and challenging, I am at the age where I can retire. My feeling is, why not leave when I’m still feeling great about the work I’m doing," she explains. While it is difficult for her to leave her colleagues and the students, she understands that it is a healthy move for her. In addition to her public high school position, Stacy also has a private practice as a therapist working with young adults and adults, particularly in the LGBTQIA+ community. She is looking forward to growing her private practice upon her retirement.
How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
I’m retiring and working – doing both. I’m starting to feel challenged by the bureaucracy of education, politics, and power and control dynamics. I feel like I’ve done the best work I could in 25 years. It’s time to start a new chapter in my life and carve out a more creative path for myself. I want to pursue this 'third act' of my life, having more autonomy and a chance to continue growing. I’m also a big believer in empowering others, particularly the next generation, as they have a huge stake in the future of education. I’m thrilled to be passing on the baton to younger folks committed to improving the mental health of youth.
There’s no way I can retire fully. With increasing property taxes as a result of gentrification in my community and the cost of living a life, time off is not an option. I’ve had a private therapy practice for 20 years. I’m excited about expanding my practice. I will be able to offer more sliding scale therapy. I am looking forward to providing spots for marginalized communities who have difficulty accessing mental health affirming care – particularly the queer community.
What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
