Background

• B.S. in Political Science/Sociology from Iowa State University   

• M.A. in Education from the University of St. Thomas

What is your favorite thing about being a the Counseling Secretary?

I love to connect with the students to support them. It's always a different day and the students make it fun! 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

I have worked in education. I did work at a patent law firm years back - that was fun but not where my

 heart was. 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

I love to camp, hike, read (or audiobooks), craft, and hang with friends and family.

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

I try to do yoga or meditate every day. It brings peace and calmness to either start the day or to end it.

Background

• B.A. in Psychology : College of Saint Benedict/St. John's University

• M.S.  in Professional School Counseling : Minnesota State University - Mankato

• Shelly was a counselor at Brooklyn Middle School for 10 years and has been at MGSH since the 2018-2019 school year 

• Licensed School Counselor - State of Minnesota

What is your favorite thing about being a counselor?

I love seeing students accomplish things they didn’t think they could. This could be academically by taking an AP class or emotionally by working through anxiety to do something they were scared to do. It is so fun to watch confidence grow! 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Architect, business 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

Running, soccer, taking care of my indoor plant babies, traveling, hiking, being outdoors,

 remodeling projects, spending time with my husband and 3 kids.   

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

I do my best to… schedule time with friends and family, get outside, take time to play with my kids, exercise, sleep, name something I am grateful for before going to bed each night.   

Background

• B.A. Public Policy: University of California, Riverside

• Graduate Credits in Youth Development Leadership: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• M.S. Counseling and Student Personnel (emphasis in Professional School Counseling): Minnesota State University- Mankato

• Prior to working at MGSH, Anita was a school counselor in Minneapolis Public Schools.

• Licensed School Counselor - State of Minnesota

What is your favorite thing about being a counselor?

Being a counselor of color, I bring a unique multicultural perspective to the school counseling field. My favorite part about being a counselor is helping students identify their strengths and build self-confidence. I especially love connecting with immigrant families, first generation college bound students, first generation American students, LGBTQIA+, and neurodivergent students. 

love the conversations I have with students about their lives, goals, and even their challenges. It is amazing and rewarding to see their growth over time. 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

Medical Field (Pediatrician), Interior Design, Speech Pathology, Business Owner. 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

As a California native, I love exploring the Minnesota outdoors with my family, creating things, learning

 about and celebrating my South Asian culture, anything vintage and Disney! 

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

Serving students and families is an important part of my life, but in order to strive for self-care and achieve balance, I remind myself of what I want to accomplish in my lifetime that is not work related. I work towards self-care by creating healthy boundaries, relaxing in nature, practicing gratitude, and building positive relationships with others.  

Background

• B.A. in Psychology and Secondary Education : Luther College 

• M.A. in Psychology (and School Counseling Licensure): Adler Graduate School 

• Prior to working in counseling, Sarah was a middle and high school Social Studies teacher

• Licensed School Counselor - State of Minnesota

What is your favorite thing about being a counselor?

I love working with students during their high school years! Every student has a unique story and I love learning about their lives and supporting them in their journey throughout high school and beyond.

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

I was previously a social studies teacher and also considered becoming a nurse.  

What are your interests/hobbies? 

Traveling, singing, spending times with family and friends.  

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

I try to move my body on a daily basis to feel more energized. I also prioritize getting enough sleep! 

Background

• B.A. in English : St. Catherine University

• M.A. in Counseling Psychology : University of St. Thomas 

• Post-MA Marriage and Family Therapy: University of St. Thomas

• Post-M.A. School Counseling Licensure: St. Cloud State University

• Prior to working in school counseling, Jennifer  worked in college counseling support, personal counseling at a college, and behavior intervention support.

• Counseling Department Chair

• Licensed School Counselor - State of Minnesota

What is your favorite thing about being a  counselor?

Watching students grow over time. I love that we keep our students all four years of high school, as it

allows us to form strong connections. I enjoy seeing young people overcome adversity, realize their

inner strengths and gifts and move out into the world with a meaningful plan. Teenagers are just my

favorite! I also love hearing from former students. 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

I wanted to be an author when I was young. I ended up working in the legal field for ten years and in

personal counseling. If I didn't work as a school counselor, I would probably work in private practice

or in another helping field. 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

Reading, music, photography, sudoku/colorku. 

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

One thing I know about myself is that I value time with friends and family very highly. I am purposeful 

about planning time with the people I love. I also recognize that I benefit from time alone in quiet

activities. Because music is so important to me, I love attending live music with friends, and also 

listening to music alone. I spend a lot of time reading and analyzing lyrics! I appreciate a quiet cup of 

coffee alone on my deck listening to nature, and time spent reading quietly in the evenings.

Background

• B.A. in Communication Studies and French from University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

• Masters of Social Work from University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Licensed Independent Social Worker – MN Board of Social Work

• Licensed School Social Worker – MN Department of Education

• Kimberly was a school social worker at Robbinsdale Middle School for 7 years prior to working at MGSH.

What is your favorite thing about being a  social worker?

I love providing a space for students to share their unique stories and experiences. 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

Photo journalist, author, park ranger. 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

Gardening, working out, camping, reading. 

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

I wake up early every morning while the rest of my house is still sleeping to workout and get a moment to myself. I also try to get outside for walks as often as possible. 

Background

• BA in Sociology and Art History - University of MN - Twin Cities 

• BS in Social Studies teaching - St. Cloud State University 

• MA in Education - St Mary's University of MN 

• MA in Counseling Psychology / School Counseling - St. Cloud State University 

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) - State of Minnesota

• Licensed Social Studies teacher - State of Minnesota 

• Licensed School Counselor - State of Minnesota 

• Licensed Professional Counselor- Minnesota Board of  Behavioral Health 

Background

• BA in Elementary Education and Special Education - University of Minnesota Duluth

• MA in Special Education - Minnesota State University, Mankato

• Prior to working in the CRC, Camra was a Resource Special Education Teacher. 

What is your favorite thing about being a  CRC Specialist?

I love helping students and families discover solutions or answers to their questions and guiding them in their own discovery. Post secondary planning is not a one track solution and I love exploring all interests and opportunities for each unique student. 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

I went to school to be a Kindergarten teacher. Then considered SPED which is where I ended up for so

long. I also considered accounting. 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

Reading, being outside, hanging out with my kids and husband, traveling/exploring new cities, and

learning and trying new things.

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

I enjoy working out, yoga, biking, hiking, and all exercise. I also like to read to be alone and regroup. 

Background

• B.S. in Management/Marketing: Northwest Missouri State University

• Jacquie started her career in marketing after college when she and her husband Troy started an incredible journey, living in seven US cities in twelve years. Their second move to Minneapolis was the final stop when Jacquie switched her focus to education with District 279. Jacquie spent seven years providing reading and math interventions to Fernbook Elementary students. Currently, Jacquie spends her days at Maple Grove Senior High as the CRC ESP. 

What other career fields did you consider or previously pursue? 

Prior to working in education, Jacquie worked as Marketing Communications Specialist consulting for   

 small business owners and the Contract Furniture Industry. 

What are your interests/hobbies? 

Jacquie enjoys spending time with her husband and adult son. She spends her free time walking and

hiking, working on interior design projects, collecting art and traveling. 

How do you practice self-care and achieve balance? 

By practicing gratitude, having a growth mindset, prioritizing my health & faith, and nurturing close relationships.