Welcome!

My name is Justin Mayes, and I’m proud to serve as the school counselor at Queen Palmer Elementary. I joined District 11 in August 2023, and it has been an incredible experience working alongside the amazing students and families in our community.

I was born and raised right here in Colorado Springs. I love our beautiful mountains and the clean, fresh air that makes this place so special. I’m a lifelong learner with a wide range of interests. I especially enjoy learning animals right now. If I had to pick a favorite animal, I would go with orcas because of their intelligence and complex behaviors. 

My Role at Queen Palmer:

As the school counselor, I provide a variety of services designed to help students grow socially and emotionally, while also offering meaningful support to families. Here’s a look at the programs and services I offer:

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

I use several research-based programs to teach students critical social-emotional skills:

Kelso’s Choices (Grades K–2):
This program helps younger students learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully. Students are taught how to identify problems and use words and strategies to solve them independently.

Zones of Regulation:
Through small groups and classroom support, I help students develop self-awareness and learn healthy coping strategies to manage their emotions.

LEGO Therapy:
I facilitate small group sessions using LEGO bricks to promote teamwork, communication, and social skills in a hands-on, engaging way.

After-School Clubs

Robotics Club:
Alongside our amazing Gifted & Talented teacher, Virginia Beaudreau, I co-lead the Robotics Club on Mondays and Tuesdays. This club introduces students to the exciting world of robotics through fun, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.

Family Support Services

Mental Health Referrals:
Some students and families face mental health challenges that go beyond the scope of school-based support. In these cases, I work with CareSolace to connect families with appropriate community resources and clinicians that meet their needs.

Crisis Counseling:
If a student ever feels unsafe or overwhelmed, I provide immediate support in a safe, calming environment. I help students identify their needs and connect them with the right services to ensure their safety and well-being.

504 Plans:
If your child has a medical or mental health condition that affects their ability to learn or participate in school, they may be eligible for a 504 Plan. I can help guide you through the process of developing accommodations that support your child’s success in the classroom from initial evaluation to plan development and meetings.

MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports):
I collaborate with our MTSS team to provide targeted support (Tier 2 and Tier 3) for students with social-emotional needs. Our goal is to ensure every student receives the right support at the right time.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and the work I do. I’m honored to be part of the Queen Palmer community and look forward to working together to support our students’ growth and success.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support. I’m here to help.

Justin Mayes
School Counselor
Queen Palmer Elementary
District 11