Dear Families,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself! My name is Shauya Siami and I am the new counselor for the Upper Campus, serving 4th-8th grade students. I am so excited to be part of the ICSAtlanta family; already it is so apparent how close-knit and welcoming the community is, I feel very lucky to be part of it!
My passion for school counseling began even before my time as a student at Georgia State University where I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology, minoring in educational psychology and special education. Then at the University of West Georgia where I earned my Masters of Education in professional counseling, concentrating in school counseling. I have 3 years of combined education experience at the PreK-12 level. What I love most about our school's program is the genuine curiosity students have in their learning and the world around them, as well as the opportunity for early intervention support that can have a lifetime positive impact on a child.
As a school counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students. At times I get puzzled looks when I say I provide career development prior to high school, but it is never too early for children to be exposed to the opportunities their futures will hold! I look forward to offering support to the ICSAtlanta students, staff, families, and community. I will be meeting with students individually and in small groups, conducting classroom counseling lessons including Child Lures and No Place for Hate curriculum, meeting with parents, collaborating with teachers and staff, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all students.
You may have noticed above that I put in bold and underlined the word, “all” students. Sometimes when the term “counselor” is heard, some may perceive that a counselor may only work with a select few students in a 1:1 counseling capacity, but that is not the case! School Counseling programs reach and meet the needs of all students in a school through many various ways, including those listed above. I am here to advocate for all students. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to or email me (shauya.siami@icsatlanta.org) at any time.
I am so excited to work with your children and get to know you throughout the school year!
All the best,
Shauya Siami, M.Ed., NCC