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East Aurora social worker resigns to launch "Breathworks" trauma-response program, offers district partnership
Summary
A district social worker announced her resignation at the June 2 board meeting to start a private practice and proposed partnering with Aurora East USD 131 to offer a Breathworks trauma-responsive breath-based program to support students and staff.
Gabriela Arriaga del Toro, who identified herself as a social worker with 13 years' experience (three in Aurora East USD 131), told the board on June 2 that she is stepping away from her district role to start a private practice, Del Toro Mental Health and Wellness, and intends to offer a trauma-responsive program called Breathworks in partnership with the district.
Arriaga said behavior is often a language that reflects unmet needs and trauma and argued that "out of school suspensions, alternative placements, and expulsions may address immediate behavior, but they don't always address the root cause." She described Breathworks as a breath-based approach "designed to regulate the nervous system, restore calm, and support both staff and students in becoming more grounded, present, and emotionally resilient." She told the board she hopes to return in a partnership role offering workshops, retreats, counseling, and professional development.
Arriaga framed the proposal as focused on staff wellness as a way to unlock student potential, saying, "When we invest in staff wellness, we unlock student potential." She said her new private practice will expand the Breathworks program and that she looks forward to "continuing this journey" in partnership with the district.
The board did not record action on her proposal during the meeting; the transcript records her public comment and announcement but does not document a district commitment, a procurement discussion, or a timeline for partnership negotiations.
