BLES Counseling Department

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives.

Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs are essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes, and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, assisting with academic, career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need, but to all students. (American School Counselor Association)

Berkeley Lake Elementary is staffed by two highly qualified professional school counselors. Together they work with staff, parents and the community to meet the academic, behavioral and social/emotional needs of all students.

Elementary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Elementary school counselors don’t work in isolation; rather, they are integral to the total educational program. They provide proactive leadership that engages all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students achieve success.

Professional school counselors align with the school’s mission to support the academic achievement of all students as they prepare for the ever-changing world of the 21st century. This mission is accomplished through the design, development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental and systematic school counseling program. ASCA’s National Standards in the academic, career, and personal/social domains are the foundation for this work. The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs,4th Edition (ASCA, 2019), with its data-driven and results-based focus, serves as a guide for today’s school counselor who is uniquely trained to implement this program.

I am happy to join the Berkeley Lake Elementary School community this year. I started my career as a middle school special education teacher before transitioning into school counseling. Although I began my counseling career at the elementary level, I have spent the past 19 years serving middle school students.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Florida, and my master’s and specialist degrees in school counseling from Georgia State University. I learned to speak Spanish as a child, and it has remained an important part of my identity. I look forward to using it to build strong relationships with Berkeley Lake’s Hispanic community and help all families feel welcome and connected.

I look forward to returning to the elementary setting to support Berkeley Lake’s students, families, and staff. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

This year, I will be working with 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade.

Rosary Mangano Ed.S., LPC

rosary.mangano@gcpsk12.org 

770-582-7522

I am happy to have been at Berkeley Lake Elementary since 2020. Previously, I was a school counselor for middle and high school students at an Atlanta-area independent school for 14 years. I earned a Bachelor's degree in both Communication Studies and Journalism from the University of Iowa, and a Master's degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University.

This year, I will be working with Pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grade students.

I look forward to working with you and hope you will reach out to me any time you have questions or concerns.  Raising children takes a village, and I'm looking forward to being part of yours.    

Lyndsay Murphy, M.A. 

lyndsay.murphy@gcpsk12.org  

770-582-7523