Welcome to the Allamakee CSD School Counseling Webpage!
We are here to serve students! The school counseling program supports student growth and development in three areas: Academic, Career, and Social-Emotional Development.
Services provided by the school counseling program include:
whole school events, classroom lessons, small groups, short term individual counseling, and collaboration with families, school staff, and community organizations.
Meet the Counseling Staff
Pre-K-3rd Grade
School Counselor
Hello! My name is Mrs. Pladsen, and I am the school counselor for students in Pre-K through 3rd grade. My favorite part of being an elementary school counselor is getting to know each of our students—their personalities, their strengths, and the unique qualities that make them who they are. Building these relationships helps me support them socially, emotionally, and academically as they grow.
At the elementary level, a school counselor’s role is to help students develop the early skills they need to be successful learners and caring friends. This includes teaching lessons on feelings, problem-solving, and positive behavior; providing support during tough moments; and working closely with families and teachers to make sure every child feels safe, understood, and ready to learn.
I’m grateful to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to supporting our students as they learn and grow!
4th-7th Grade
School Counselor
Hello! I'm Ms. Niehaus, the 4th-7th grade counselor. I started at ACSD in Fall of 2022 and split my days between East Elementary and Waukon Middle School.
I received my M.A. in School Counseling at the University of Iowa and and started my school counseling career in 2015. I grew up in Guttenberg, Iowa and attended Luther College for my undergrad.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, friends and pets, being outdoors, traveling, baking, reading, crafts, and listening to or playing music.
8th-12th Grade
School Counselor
I'm Mrs. Wasson and I'm the 8th-12th grade Counselor. I've been in education since 1993. I taught High School Business for four years and have been a School Counselor since then. I enjoy watching students grow and mature as they progress through their teen years and I especially like helping them plan for whatever they want their life to be after high school.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children, along with my large extended family. I love being on the go to sporting events, outings with friends or vacations to beautiful places I haven't been.
K-12 School
Social Worker
Hello! My name is Angie Raddatz, and I have worked as a school social worker in Northeast Iowa for the past 27 years. The majority of my career has been at Keystone AEA, where I've had the privilege to work in many area school districts. I currently serve the Allamakee Community School District two days per week and work with students at all grade levels.
I'm originally from the Twin Cities, but moved to Iowa after attending Luther College (BA Psychology) and The University of Chicago (MA Social Work). In addition to my work in ACSD, my favorite things spending time with my family (including my dog), traveling, hiking, and coffee.
ACSD School Counseling Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Allamakee Community School District School counseling program is to foster the social/emotional, academic, and career development of all students through consultation, collaboration, parental involvement, and community engagement. The counseling program at Allamakee Community School District aims to provide a developmentally appropriate educational environment within a safe and nurturing climate, thereby ensuring the present and future success of each student.
Belief Statement
We believe that:
All learners have worth and dignity.
All learners have the right to learn in a safe, supportive environment.
All learners are individuals who have diverse needs and learn at their own pace.
Every learner is capable of growth and learning and deserves appropriate support and encouragement
The school counseling program serves all learners by providing access to social-emotional, academic, & career opportunities.
The school counselor is an advocate for all learners.
School counselors will abide by the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors to make informed decisions based on the highest moral principles.
The school counselor will collaborate with families, teachers, administration, school staff, and community resources to best meet student needs.
When the school, families, and community resources work together, it provides the best support for the learner.
The school counselor will use data to continuously improve the comprehensive school counseling program and meet learner and school needs.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Allamakee Community School District School counseling program is to see all our students become exemplary learners, friends, and citizens. They recognize their inherent value and utilize this understanding to confront challenges and achieve both immediate and long-term objectives. Our students embrace diversity, uphold dignity for themselves and others, exhibit resilience, and employ essential problem-solving skills, thereby preparing themselves for post-secondary education and careers while making meaningful contributions to society.
Grade Level Counseling Program Sites