Mrs. Abigail Salat

Balancing the life of being a mother and a psychologist working with stressed-out high school students seems next to impossible. Not only are you raising a child, but you also have dozens of kids dependent on you for guidance throughout their most formative years. However, Abigail Salat, one of Lake Forest High School’s most accommodating and thoughtful psychologists, manages to do just that.

“Dr. Salat is a perfect fit with our psychologists, who need to be some of the smartest people in the building, but also be approachable and have a great sense of humor to handle the stress of work,” Daniel Maigler, one of the primary social workers at the high school, said.

Salat’s office is a homey space that radiates a warm glow; before students even set foot in her door, they know they’ll be comfortable. Salat’s calm but determined attitude reassures students that they will be listened to and cared for. Salat also has a great sense of humor, which can help students smile even on the hardest days.

She is able to level with students and make it clear that she is someone they can trust. Salat has the ability to make students feel safe, no matter if they’re at their best, or worst.  She is able to adjust to anything thrown at her, whether it be a pandemic or motherhood. All of this proves she is a perfect fit for the role of psychologist at the high school.

Salat went on maternity leave at the beginning of the school year after the birth of her son, Connor. She returned in early December and brought the same sincerity and candor as she helped guide students through the mental strain and stress of the pandemic. 

“Her ability to adjust to motherhood and still bring her continued level of excellence is beyond impressive,” Maigler said. 

Maigler also wanted to point out the difference between social workers and psychologists. “She is a psychologist, by the way, they have to go to more school than us mere social workers.” 

“Every time I am in a meeting or group with Dr. Salat we are smiling and laughing no matter how frustrating the situation… She was such an incredible intern at Lake Forest High School that when we got an opening, we literally begged her to leave her job in Naperville and come back to work with us,” said Maigler.