Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadaf Habib.
Hi Sadaf, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It’s funny how life unfolds, I never imagined I’d become a School Psychologist, mostly because I didn’t even know such a role existed. I started undergrad thinking I was going to be a dentist (which now feels impossible to picture, lol). Before college, I was responsible for taking care of my younger brother, so instead of going away to school, I stayed close to home and enrolled at UT Arlington. I wanted to be able to take him to and from school while living with my grandparents. By my sophomore year, my mother and younger sister had moved back from Karachi to Arlington, and we all moved in together. I started working full-time—actually, more than full-time—to help support my family. That’s when I realized dentistry wasn’t for me. I changed my major to Exercise Science, hoping to become an Occupational Therapist working with children. During my last semester (which ended up being an extra one because I was balancing work, school, and family), I landed a job at an Applied Behavioral Analysis clinic in Fort Worth called *The Child Study Center*, now part of Cook Children’s. I fell in love with the work—but I knew I wanted to do more than just behavior therapy. At the clinic, I met several psychologists, and one of them happened to be a School Psychologist before becoming a Licensed Psychologist. I started researching the field, and it immediately felt like the perfect fit. I first applied to Abilene Christian University but had to defer when I couldn’t afford to move and still support my family. A year later, I applied to Texas Woman’s University—and almost missed the interview! By pure chance, the program director called to check if I was still interested in coming in person. That call changed everything. Just a month earlier, I had been hospitalized after experiencing domestic violence from a former partner. I walked into that interview uncertain but hopeful—and to my surprise, I got in. The program was rigorous, and I faced more hurdles than I can count. One professor doubted my commitment since I continued working full-time to help my family, and I often had to ask for extensions. Still, I pushed through. I was chosen for practicum placements in some of the most prestigious school districts and was thriving—until COVID-19 hit. My mother had gone back to Karachi to visit my father, classes went virtual, and I lost my job. Deadlines stayed the same, and I couldn’t submit my capstone on time. I had to forfeit my internship offer and repeat the year. It was humbling—but it didn’t stop me. Eventually, I secured an internship with the Denton County Special Education Cooperative, where I’ve continued to grow ever since. Since graduating, I’ve been trusted with incredible opportunities to serve in many capacities. In my current role, I help implement Individualized Education Programs for students with diverse needs and disabilities. Beyond work, I stay deeply involved in my Ismaili community, serving as the Lead Mental Health Board Member for the Aga Khan Health Board – Central Region since July 2024, and as a Lead for Operations at Camp Vibe, a faith-based camp for high school students. I also served this summer as an on-site mental health coordinator for Camp Mosaic. Being a School Psychologist has truly been life-changing. It’s given me purpose, resilience, and community. I wouldn’t trade this path—or the people who helped shape it—for anything in the world: my colleagues, mentors, and most importantly, the students who remind me every day why I chose this work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it’s been anything but a straight path. I took extra time to really figure out what I wanted to do. I didn’t apply to graduate school until three years after finishing undergrad, once I finally felt ready to make the move. But that period of my life wasn’t easy. I was in an abusive relationship at the time, and getting accepted into graduate school felt like my one shot at a new beginning. I received my interview just a month after being hospitalized, and that opportunity truly changed the trajectory of my life. Balancing school and full-time work came with its own challenges. I was trying to manage everything—work, school, and home responsibilities—all while unknowingly navigating ADHD. Then, when COVID-19 hit, everything became even harder. I lost my job, my mother was overseas, and I was trying to finish my capstone project. It was overwhelming, and I eventually had to forfeit my internship that year because I couldn’t turn my capstone in on time. Those moments were incredibly difficult, but they taught me resilience, patience, and grace. Every setback pushed me to grow stronger, and looking back now, I wouldn’t change the lessons that came with those struggles.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most people hear “psychologist” and think of therapy couches and inkblot tests, but school psychology is a world of its own. As School Psychologists, we work at the intersection of education and mental health. Our job is to understand how students learn, think, and cope — and to make sure their schools are equipped to support that. We assess students for learning differences ( Learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities), behavioral challenges (emotional behavioral disorders), or developmental needs (i.e., Autism) and help design individualized education plans (IEPs) that allow them to thrive. We collaborate daily with teachers, parents, and administrators to create environments where kids feel safe, supported, and capable of success — not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.
In short, we’re the bridge between a student’s potential and their reality. We’re problem-solvers, advocates, and sometimes the quiet voice in the room saying, “Let’s look at what this child needs to feel understood.” It’s equal parts science, heart, and teamwork — and every day brings a chance to change a life, even in the smallest ways.
This has been the best 5 years of my life. This school year I am working with 1st-8th grade which is a little change from the past two years as I was working with 6th-12th grade. I would say my area of expertise is emotional and behavioral needs as I previously worked in a behavior disorders clinic. What I am most proud of is what this career has afforded me. It has shown me a whole new world of the needs of children and how to work with them and their families. It’s given me the ability to advocate for mental health for children and youth along with connecting with my personal religious community as a leader. It’s also helped me support and represent others as a South Asian, person of color, and a Woman. It’s afforded me the opportunity to speak with confidence and give back to those who supported me while I was struggling.
What sets me apart from others is being resilient through the adversity I’ve experienced. There is minimal representation for South Asians in School Psychology and also a woman who has experienced domestic violence.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
There aren’t very many I remember but my fondest is my 8th birthday. I had my entire family and friends at my home. It was the best day ever. We had cake and games and everyone got along.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sadafhabibii
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadaf-habib-lssp-0093968a/
Image Credits
Farha Khoja at @takeupspacepodcast
