September 29, 2021
The Sheriff’s Office has bid farewell to Sahana Karpoor, a Behavioral Health Supervisor with the Fairfax Falls-Church Community Services Board (CSB). Sahana provided services to an incarcerated population with mental health issues and substance use disorders.
The celebration was two-fold: recognizing her significant contributions at the Adult Detention Center and her recent achievement of U.S. citizenship.
Karpoor describes the very traditional setting in which she grew up in India where women became mothers and homemakers. Her marriage was arranged and took place three days after their meeting. Her new husband was already living in the U.S., so she moved to be with him. “I am fortunate that he was unusually supportive right from the start, from my attending college and graduate school in D.C., to my career goals. He is very proud of the work I do for the community in which we live.
“It is a badge of honor to be the first woman in my family to go to college.”
Sahana arrived in the U.S. in 2002 and reflects on her immigrant experience. “People back in India would tell me I am an American, so I don’t understand the issues that they have faced over the past 20 years. And in America, I sometimes hear insensitive comments like, ‘You don’t belong here; go back where you’re from.’” Consequently, she often felt that she did not belong in either place.
With her U.S. citizenship, she finally feels like she belongs.
As a college undergraduate, Karpoor began an internship with the CSB. Later she earned her master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and became a licensed clinical social worker, employed by the CSB.
“I didn’t have role models growing up in India, so I lacked confidence,” Sahana says. “I had to learn how to balance a professional and personal life. With time, I learned that I don’t just check the diversity box. I have a lot of value to add with the kind of work that I do.”
She says she loves the Sheriff’s Office because diversity is valued, and Sheriff Kincaid is a champion for the underserved population. “Through the Sheriff’s Office and CSB, we have been able to implement cutting edge programs that provide a safe and stable environment, educational opportunities, supportive counseling and trauma recovery. Other jails are way behind. I feel like the Fairfax jail is the North Star. This has been such an amazing experience and a significant impact on my life.”
Lt. Colonel Mark Sites, Chief Deputy for Sheriff’s Office Operations, presented Sahana with a letter of commendation, noting her contributions to the STAR (Striving to Achieve Recovery) and Medication Assisted Treatment programs. “Your professionalism and ability to connect with the people you serve have been exceptional. Your collaborative approach has made a difference in many lives, and it has been a pleasure to have you working with us.”
Sahana strives to be a role model for her 7-year-old daughter and the second daughter she is expecting. “Just as I learned to advocate for myself, I want them to be able to speak up for themselves.”
After nearly four years delivering jail-based services, she is stepping away for a while to provide outpatient services in the community.