Ms. Roche

At the beginning of the current school year, Ms. Roche started working at Aurora High School as a guidance counselor for students with the last names S-Z. Her journey from a science teacher at Shaker Heights to a guidance counselor at West Geauga and now Aurora High School has been inspirational.

Mrs. Roche talks about colleges and says, “I went to Miami University for my undergraduate degree and Kent State University for my Masters. Being a 3 sport athlete in high school, I thought that taking a break from sports would help me focus on academics. I learned that my activities helped me balance my time and stress levels; therefore I decided to try out for the Equestrian Team which filled my social and competitive outlet. Being part of a nationally recognized team was something that I will never forget and truly helped me be successful in the classroom as well.”

It wasn’t until later in college that she realized she wanted to be a counselor. She states that she came to that conclusion after experiencing the job first-hand: “When I first went to college, I did not know that I wanted to be a school counselor, yet once I was in the profession, I enjoyed the connection counselors had with their students, families, and coworkers. I value being a lifelong learner and missed being a student so when reflecting on what I wanted my Master's degree in, it was an easy decision.”

After forming close bonds with students and families, Roche, a pre-med student, soon realized that she wanted to help them in a way she couldn’t as a teacher and decided to become a school counselor. She said this is her inspiration: “My high school counselor was a great inspiration and I hope I can do her proud!” 

Regarding a day at AHS, Roche’s schedule looks like this: “A counselor's day can vary day by day! Some days, I organize an event, mixed with student meetings, meetings with college representatives, or working with outside resources that can best support our families. Every day looks different! Right now, being new to the district, I am spending time learning all things about Aurora and starting to get to know this amazing community!” 

In her free time, Roche describes what else she does with her time: “Outside of school, I love to spend time with my Bernese Mountain dog, Ellie, spend time with my family and fiance, run, ride horses, try new restaurants, read, travel, go shopping, and work on my house!” 

Finally, this is Roche’s message to all AHS students: “I prefer to be called a school counselor instead of a guidance counselor because my one professor made a comment that rocked my world! He had worked in education for over 30 years and said, ‘You can give a student guidance but they have the choice to take it or leave it. Why have a title that is the only part of your job?’ I want to empower students to choose what their destiny can be, not give guidance as if my opinion is best. Students are the experts of their lives, and my job is to support each dream the best I can!” 

If you have the last name S-Z, keep an eye out for Ms. Roche, and feel free to stop in her office if you need anything.