I feel so fortunate to be the School Counselor at OPS!  This is my 8th year at Oriole Park School and my 18th year as a School Counselor in CPS.  I earned my B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and my Master's Degree in School Counseling from Governors State University.  

I am married and a mom to two daughters: Sophia (14)  Charlotte (10) and dog Maddie.  We also live in the Oriole Park neighborhood so you will probably see me and my family around town :)  My husband Patrick and I love to spend time with our family & friends and travel in our free time.    

As a community member and Counselor at OPS I am extremely dedicated and committed to the school and community.  I am passionate about helping all OPS students reach their full potential both academically and socially/emotionally.  

What is the role of a school counselor?

It is the school counselor's role to support all students in three areas: social emotional, academic and college and career. These three areas are addressed through school counseling core curriculum (i.e. SchooLinks Post-Secondary Lessons), responsive services (i.e. crisis response, student check ins), individual student planning (i.e. high school applications), and indirect services (i.e. referrals or consultation with teachers/parents). 

All Tier 2 and 3 social emotional interventions (check-in/check out, attendance groups, Rainbows, social skills, etc.) are established in collaboration with Oriole Park’s Behavioral Health Team.

What does confidentiality look like when speaking with the school counselor?

Everything you share with the school counselor stays with the school counselor unless it is reported someone is hurting you, you are hurting someone else, or you are hurting yourself. These things need to be shared in order to keep everyone safe. 

What’s the difference between a school counselor and an outside therapist?

School counselors provide referrals to school and community resources that treat mental health challenges (suicidal ideation, violence, abuse and depression) with the intent of removing barriers to learning and supporting students in the classroom. School counselors focus on providing short-term solution focused interventions, such as social skills groups and check in/check out. School counselors do not provide long term counseling or therapy within the school setting. 

Helpful Links & Resources

• GoCPS - High School Applications

• SchooLinks - CPS Post Secondary Curriculum for 6-8th

Mrs. Howerter's Virtual School Counseling Office! 

Please take a look around and peruse through my virtual counseling office found below.  Please let me know if you have any issues access the links.  

Here you will find breathing techniques, SEL read aloud stories, coloring pages and much more!  If you click on the mailbox it will take you to a different slide (2 total slides) where you will find additional information. Check it out and have fun exploring!