Rush has emotional retirement from Weems Mental Health
For Leigh Ann Rush, the most emotional part of retiring after nearly 26 years of working with children from the Philadelphia School District was having to say goodbye.
One week before her retirement, Rush received a sweet note from one of her students, saying he hoped Rush would never forget him.
“This student said he would never forget me and asked me to never forget him,” Rush said. “I reassured him that I wouldn’t forget him, or any of the other kids I’ve helped over the years.”
Rush said her decision to retire was a tough one, since she wasn’t sure if she had really been able to help anyone. However, this note made her realize she had made a difference.
“These kids helped me just as much as I helped them,” Rush said. “They are full of love, and deep down inside all they need is love and to know someone cares about them.”
Rush, a Philadelphia native, began working as a children’s therapist at Weems Community Mental Health Center in 1997, and retired just last week on March 31. Throughout her time at the health center, she worked closely with students from Philadelphia Elementary, where she had her own room, and also worked with students from Philadelphia Middle School and Philadelphia High School.
Rush said her inspiration to become a children’s therapist came from her always wanting to work with either children or the elderly, and when a friend of hers left her therapist job from Weems, Rush slipped right into the position.
As a children’s therapist, Rush worked with students and helped them develop many types of skills, such as daily living, emotional control, and more.
“It’s been a wonderful job,” she said. “The Philadelphia School District has been wonderful to me over the years, even providing me my own space in Philadelphia Elementary to work with the students. Kids need someone outside the home to show them they are loved and cared for.”
Rush is married to Joe Rush and enjoys spending time with him and watching their son Tripp play music. She said one of her favorite activities is running, and she plans to do that while awaiting her next adventure in life.
Kelly Williams, supervisor at Weems Community Mental Health, said it will be hard to come into the office each morning and not see Rush.
“Leigh Ann was compassionate and loved the people she worked with,” Williams said. “Every office needs someone like her. She was dependable, never missed work, and she was great to work with. The kids loved her, and so did the parents.”
Williams said Rush will be missed in the community and her best aspect was her relationships with her patients and her willingness to step in and help.
“She went out of her way to do extra,” Williams said. “She will be missed, and wherever she goes, she will benefit that place. She is very good at what she does.”
Weems Community Mental Health Center is located at 1011 Posey Avenue, across from the post office. For more information, visit their website at www.weemsmh.com.