#SoCaltech: Avi Leibovici

“I see people in crisis, providing mental health services and counseling about a range of issues including domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, depression, and grief counseling. I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve counseled over the years. And I’ve done some organizational development, working with departments to reduce conflict and humanize the workplace. Sometimes, that involves some advocacy.
“About three months ago, I was having lunch at Browne Dining Hall and suddenly a staff member started yelling at the top of his lungs, ‘He's the man! He's the man!’ And I thought, ‘My goodness, what do we have here?’ And he started to say—about me—'He’s the man who helped my son survive gangbanging. He would have been dead by now, but he’s a dental technician, and here’s the man who set him straight.’ It was a little embarrassing, but I was very proud at that moment that I had an impact on his kid's life.

“What I would like the Caltech community to know is that the need for emotional health is as important as their intellectual health. Part of that process is, if you're not doing well, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We have so many resources here at Caltech—all totally confidential and provided for free—that people can take advantage of. People shouldn’t feel ashamed of seeking help: the earlier you get help, the better it is.”

Avi Leibovici, senior counselor at the Staff/Faculty Consultation Center, will retire on December 11 after 33 years of service to the Institute. During his tenure, he has helped hundreds of Caltech employees and their families, providing counseling in several languages he speaks fluently, including English, Spanish, Romanian, and Hebrew. A farewell party in his honor will be held on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dabney Hall. All are invited.

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.