Hello Vista Peak Families! My name is Kelley Herring and I am your 3rd-5th grade counselor. 2025-2026 marks my third year at VPE, and my 13th year overall as a K-8 school counselor.
In my role, I love getting kids excited about the future and equipping them with the skills and tools to become the best versions of themselves. I am passionate about trauma-informed education, I believe that behavior is communication and to quote Dr. Ross Greene, that “kids do well when they can.”
Outside of school, I love to be outdoors, watch professional women’s soccer, work on jigsaw puzzles, play sports and games, and spend time with my wife, daughter and our pup. I also coach the VPE 6th & 7th grade girls basketball team in the spring.
I look forward to working with you and your students!
Kelley Herring, M.S.
This is a one-on-one session where a student meets privately with the counselor, to address personal issues like anxiety, stress, friendship problems, or family changes. These sessions are confidential and tailored specifically to the student's needs.
Regular individual sessions with a school counselor are generally short-term (6-8) weeks. If additional support is needed, Ms. Herring will communicate with parents about referrals for outside therapy.
With parent/guardian consent, the counselor will meet with a small number of students who are all dealing with a similar issue. For example, a group might be formed for students learning how to manage anger, cope with grief, or improve social skills. This setting allows students to share experiences and learn from each other in a safe, guided environment.
For small groups that are designed to teach specific skills, Ms. Herring will send regular communication to parents & guardians about the skills & topics students are learning.
Whole-class lessons cover topics that are relevant to all students in a particular class or grade level. They address aspects of social/ emotional wellbeing such as strategies for managing strong feelings, cultivating empathy, career exploration, and a host of others!
This approach ensures that every student receives important information and skills that can help them succeed.
An Individual Career and Academic Plan guides students and families through career exploration, academic and postsecondary options, and opportunities as they plan for their future.
Students understand their interests, talents and aspirations and use their strengths to continuously define and develop postsecondary and workforce skills.
CAREER EXPOSURE, SELF-KNOWLEDGE, & TRANSITIONING TO MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Exposure to College & Career ideas
Parent Awareness
Essential Skills Development
Social-Emotional Learning
Young Ameritowne (5th grade curriculum and field trip)
For more information about APS' ICAP program, visit the district ICAP website.