As a school counselor, I am an educator trained in school counseling, just as other educators are trained in math, science, or English.  My job at Briarwood is to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive School Counseling Program designed to meet the needs of every student.  To accomplish this goal, I provide classroom guidance lessons, individual student planning, responsive services, and system support.

Classroom Guidance Lessons help students understand themselves and others. Through classroom guidance, school counselors help students develop peer relationships, effective social skills, decision making skills and study skills, effective communications, conflict resolution, coping strategies, and explore safe and healthy choices. 

Individual Student Planning helps students set goals, establish academic and career plans, understand their own strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for the transitions.

Responsive Services assist students with particular needs, such as adjusting to a new school, coping with grief following a crisis or a loss, dealing with substance abuse or other risky behaviors.  Responsive services are provided through individual and small group counseling, peer facilitation, and consultation and referrals to community professionals trained in mental health and other specialties.

System Support enhances school climate and relationships among members of the school community.  School counselors coordinate parent outreach services, community support services and consultations with other faculty and staff to facilitate collaboration and a greater understanding of students’ developmental needs. 

As your school counselor, I work to ensure our School Counseling Program is progressive,dynamic, and responsive to the needs of all students.  Thank you for exploring ways we can work together to make our students and school the best it can be!