Counselor's Corner

WELCOME CONKWRIGHT FAMILIES!

Here you will find all that you might need in regards to your child's Social/Emotional needs. You will be able to connect to me, your child's School Counselor, and find links and information for additional mental health, school, and community resources.

About your School Counselor

I am so excited to be starting my 6th year as a Conkwright COLT! I truly believe that Conkwright is special place for children to learn and grow; not only in their academic endeavors but socially/emotionally as well!

To begin, I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Campbellsville University and received my MaEd and Rank 1 in School Counseling from EKU.

The first 6 years of my career was spent working for a Community Mental Health Agency providing, case management services, school-based counseling, and family therapy to children/families of all ages.

Upon graduation from EKU, I started my school Counseling Career right here in Clark Co at Strode Station Elem! After working for several years out of Clark Co, I have found my way back and am thrilled to be at Conkwright! I am starting my 19th year working as a professional counselor and hope everyday that I can be a light and resources to all of our students and families.

Most recently, I am humbled to say I was chosen as the 2022-2023 Elementary School Counselor of the Year by the KY School Counselor Association. Also, I have been selected to service on the KY Dept. Of Education's School Counselor Council for a 3 year term (alongside many other wonderful School Counselor's throughout our state).

An exciting new adventure I have begun here at Conkwright is our School Therapy Dog Program. This came to light over the last 2 years through training and approval by our amazing Board of Education! Please follow along below for more information about Sookie (our Therapy Dog) and our Program.

In my free time I love to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy hiking, all different kinds of music, reading, spending time outdoors, and cuddling my sweet pup Sookie!

Please continue on into this site to find ways to contact me at school, set up appointments, ask questions, and find resources for you and your student(s).

Blessings,

Ms. McGrath

Ways to Contact Ms. McGrath

Office Phone #: 859-745-8900 Email: kari.mcgrath@clark.kyschools.us

Community Mental Health Resources

Below are links to local Community Mental Health Resources that you can access to help both students and your entire family.

https://www.nyap.org/nyap-locations/kentucky.html

Services Offered

Out Patient Counseling
Case Management Services
Family Therapy
Prevention/Intervention Services
School-Based Counseling Services
Reunification/Permanency Programming

https://www.mtcomp.org/winchester-outpatient-clinic

Services Offered

Outpatient Counseling
School-Based Counseling Services
After School Program
Medication Management
Pharmacy on-site
Walk-in appointments

https://www.newvista.org/location-county/clark-county

Services Offered

Outpatient Counseling
School-Based Services
Medication Management
24-hr Emergency Hotline (1-800-928-8000)
First Steps
Prevention & Recovery Services

For Mindfulness activities, music, and movement click the Zen Zone Picture!

For Coping Strategy Ideas and help, click the Bubble picture

Introducing.....Sookie!

We are so excited to have Sookie, the Therapy Dog as part of our family here at Conkwright! She is a Golden Retriever/Aussie Shepherd Mix who is 5 years old. Sookie has completed her AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog training through Pawsability Unleashed, LLC in Frankfort, KY and has insurance through the same program.

Sookie has been a JOY to have at school! She comes 2-3 times a week and supports all of our students and staff! Sookie visits classrooms, takes kids for walks ;) and helps us all when we have big emotions. We are hopeful that this year we can also utilize Sookie to help students practice Reading skills through our "A Pup and Pages" Reading Groups.

Classroom Lessons: SEL Related Arts Class

Whole Group Social Emotional Lessons will be provided for students this year in a new format! We are so lucky to have Ms. Audre (Yates) back and serve as our 5th Related Arts Teacher!

She will be taking over Whole Group Lessons for each grade level! The class name has been changed from Guidance to SEL. Our students will have an increase of Social/Emotional learning from 1 time per month to 1 time per WEEK!! We could not be more excited to offer this to our COLTS!

Participating in their weekly SEL class with Ms. Audre is going to be a valuable resource and experience for all of our COLTS! Your student will have access to many different social/emotions lessons and experiences as well as learn more about Career planning!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Audre at audre.yates@clark.kyschools.us