Hello, students and families of Ratcliffe!

My name is Julia Updike and I am one of your school counselors here at Ratcliffe Elementary School. I am so excited to be here! I earned my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Prior to that, I graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) with my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This is my first year as a professional school counselor and I am looking forward to meeting all of you and getting to know you.

I believe that all students are capable of success. I also feel that success can look different from student to student. I love mindfulness strategies and teaching coping skills to students, which can help them both in school and at home. Social and emotional learning is so important, and I am passionate about teaching students skills to help them be successful in school and promote wellbeing.

Personally, I enjoy taking walks, cooking meals with my fiancé, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I can’t wait for this school year and to learn and grow together!

Hello students and families!

My name is Mrs. Josann Sims and this is my first year at Ratcliffe Elementary. I graduated from Indiana University (Indianapolis) with my Master's of Education degree in Counseling and Counselor Education. I also attended Indiana University (Columbus) and obtained undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Business Management with a minor in Psychology. I was born and raised in the beautiful twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, but moved to the United States during my adolescent years, and graduated from High School at Columbus East High School (Columbus, Indiana).

I am a mother of two wonderful children (Chad David and Christen), and married to a very supportive and patient husband, Chad. In my spare time my family and I love to travel the world.

My passion is to encourage every student to be the best version of themselves; whatever that may be. I akin counseling to art, just as one explores different textures and colors in painting, in counseling one explores and uncover patterns in lives and in thinking. When an artist starts a painting they never know what the finished product might look like. They've envisioned what they believe the outcome might be and may even have a picture as reference, but the end result is what matters. Therefore, being a counselor allows me to help students process their concern(s), explore the possible contributor(s) to their concern(s), and hopefully help them better manage or overcome their concern(s).