Waddell's student Support SErvices team

meet our team

WHAT EXACTLY DO we DO?

Our goal is to implement a collaborative and comprehensive school counseling program by making sure that all students are learning skills to become successful in their academic, personal/emotional, and college/career domains.

At Waddell this looks like classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling sessions, and individual sessions to help support our students. We also help students and families who may experience crises or challenges at home or at school. We may work with students who are in need of academic success, test taking or study skills, learning styles, anger management, grief, behavior success within the school and/or at home, and college and career exploration.

We can also make outside agency referrals if a student or family may be in need of community support, intensive therapeutic services, and/or outside counseling. We also collaborate with teachers on Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS/ formerly RtI) Tier II and III plans, development of 504 plans, and parent-teacher conferences.

Due to the fact that school counselors are expected to serve every student in the school, we do not have the capacity to provide long-term counseling/therapy to any student. So, much like we might go to our primary care doctor to address general medical concerns, but be referred to an endocrinologist for ongoing care of diabetes, the school counselor provides general short-term, goal-focused counseling. More long-term, intensive counseling needs are referred to service providers whose primary roles are provision of counseling/therapy services.

vision

The Waddell Language Academy students will become resilient, academically successful, and global scholars. They will obtain self-advocacy skills to remove barriers when faced with adversity. They will learn life-long skills to be academically successful in any educational setting. Our students will seek opportunities to continue developing language acquisition and cultural awareness with a respectful lense.

Mission

The mission of the Waddell Language Academy Counseling Department is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address all students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs. This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world. We will promote equity and access equality to an environment that encourages personal inquiry and growth, social responsibility, and academic excellence.

Beliefs

*All children are unique and should be treated with respect and dignity. *Every student can succeed. *Learning is a lifelong process. *Fostering a positive self-image is the collaborative effort of the school, home, and community which leads to responsible and productive citizenship. *All students will learn self-advocacy skills to remove barriers when faced with adversity. *The diverse needs of all students must be advocated for through the school counseling program. *Every student needs appropriate personal and social skills to achieve optimum benefits from the educational program. *A comprehensive, developmental school counseling program is an integral part of the total education program. *A developmentally appropriate school counseling program provides important benefits to individual students by addressing their academic, social-emotional, and career/college-ready needs.

Mrs. Reece

K-2 School Counselor

Crystal.reece@cms.k12.nc.us

A native of South Carolina and Winthrop University graduate, I have lived in Charlotte since 1989. I began my career as a School Counselor in 2000, after nearly two decades in substance abuse counseling and human resources. I joined the Language Academy staff in 2007. I live with my husband Wade, Shelby the Schnauzer, and Gracie Cat. I am the proud “mama” of two grown sons. I am happiest when exploring new cultures and/or relaxing on a sandy beach.

MRs. Walker

3-4 School Counselor

angelines.walker@cms.k12.nc.us

I am absolutely thrilled to serve as the 3rd through 5th grade counselor this year. This is my first year at Waddell. However, this is my 8th year as a Waddell parent. I have been a school counselor for 20 years. My last 10 years have been within CMS. I was born in New York City and have lived in Charlotte for the last 10 years. I received both my BA in Psychology and MA in Counseling from the University of Rochester where I met my husband Coach Walker. I am also a licensed professional mental health counselor. My husband and I have three beautiful daughters who keep us on our toes! My hobbies include reading, singing, writing, cooking, catching up on my television shows, traveling, and exploring all that Charlotte has to offer.

Mrs. Bryant

6&8 School Counselor

joycelynd.bryant@cms.k12.nc.us

Hello, I’m Mrs. Bryant, your child’s middle school counselor. I am excited to serve as the middle school counselor this year. This is my 9th year as a School Counselor and 16th year as a NC educator. I am a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where the "Eagle is no ordinary barnyard fowl,” and UNC-Charlotte. GO Niners! I live with my husband, daughter, and son who keep us busy! In my limited free time, I enjoy reading, eating good food, traveling, and rooting on the Panthers or Tar Heels!

Ms. Case

5&7 School Counselor

sarahh.case@cms.k12.nc.us

I am Ms. Sarah Case and am the newest school counselor at Waddell. During the pandemic, my family moved to Charlotte. Prior to our move, I taught music in the schools and freelanced as a violinist & violist. I look forward to continuing my musical involvement, as well as developing my language skills and exploring Charlotte post-pandemic. My music degrees are from St. Olaf College, University of Minnesota, and The Ohio State University, and my most recent degree is in School Counseling from Concordia University Wisconsin. I look forward to being a part of the Waddell community and helping everyone navigate a new year full of possibilities and challenges.