About Ms. Raquel

Education & Training 

     The 2023-2024 school year will be my seventh year at VOL, and I am so excited to be your School Counselor. I am a native of the Westbank and I am thrilled to continue my career here. I spent my high school years at Archbishop Blenk from 2001-2005. I attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge from 2005-2009 where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.  From 2010-2016, I worked for the Early Steps program where I helped infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities receive evaluations and therapeutic services in their homes. In 2014 I decided to return to school and attend the University of Holy Cross where I completed the CACREP-accredited school counseling program and earned my Master of Arts degree in Counseling. I also spent the 2016-2017 completing a school counseling internship at St. Rosalie School. In spring of 2020 I became a fully licensed counselor. 

Philosophy 

    During my formative years, I knew I wanted to help others. School Counseling allows me to work directly with students and provide valuable services. I believe in utilizing techniques that will improve students well-being throughout the school year. Knowing that someone is here to listen and help, can make all the difference in a student's life. 

Lagniappe

    I am the proud godmother of a sweet boy named Nathaniel and now am the proud aunt of a named Julianne. It is a joy and blessing being a part of their  lives. I am bilingual and am fluent in Spanish. I love movies, books and being a counselor. 

"The goal of the Developmental Counseling Program is to aid 

students in meeting the challenges of modern life secure in the 

knowledge of themselves, the world around them, and the skills to 

formulate, articulate, and actualize their uniqueness. A certified 

counselor provides individual sessions for all grade levels, classroom 

sessions (Living Skills) periodically, and small group sessions to 

explore issues and problems important to each respective age group. 

The counselor also works in conjunction with administrators and is 

available to all teachers for consultation. Students usually make their 

own appointments to see the counselor, either individually or in 

groups. A teacher may refer a student to see the counselor. Parents 

are always welcome to call or to schedule an appointment if they 

have any concerns they would like to discuss regarding their child. 

Please refer to the counselor’s website for more information and 

resources." 

- VOL Handbook

Why Elementary School Counselors

"Today's young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies and expanding opportunities.  To help ensure that they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders, and citizens, every student needs support, guidance and opportunities during childhood, a time of rapid growth and change.  Children face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement."

- "Toward a Blueprint for Youth:  Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services