Announcements

My name is Lauren Manni, and I’m thrilled to be joining Maple Valley as the 6th Grade School Counselor! This is my 15th year as a school counselor with Clifton Public Schools, and I’m excited to make the transition from elementary to middle school. I’m truly looking forward to an exciting and meaningful year ahead.

I work with students individually and in small groups to support their social, emotional, and academic development throughout the middle school years. I believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with staff, administration, and families to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.

For families seeking additional support, I also help connect them with community resources and outside counseling services as needed.

In addition to my counseling background, I’m a certified children’s yoga instructor and Mindfulness Educator, and I love incorporating mindfulness and movement-based strategies into my work with students whenever possible.

If you have any questions, concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at lmanni@cliftonschools.net. I look forward to working together to make this a fantastic year for our students!

My name is Jamie Akers, and I am the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) at MVMS. This is my third year working within Clifton Public Schools, and I am so excited to be part of the Maple Valley family. 

In my role as SAC, I meet with students for a variety of reasons, but much of my work focuses on supporting those who may be struggling to manage their emotions or cope with challenging situations. Middle school is a time of growth and change, and it’s common for students to feel overwhelmed. I work with them to build healthy coping skills, resilience, and emotional awareness. 

I provide support through small, themed counseling groups, classroom lessons, and individual one-on-one sessions. These supports focus on areas such as stress management, peer relationships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, helping students navigate both school and personal challenges.

My primary goal is to support each student’s mental and emotional well-being while encouraging them to become the best version of themselves. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and building confidence.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach me at jakers@cliftonschools.net or 973-561-4097. I look forward to helping create a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.