Bio: Hi everyone! I am Mrs. H, and I am so excited to be a part of the Wildcat family as your school counselor! I believe that all students have the potential to succeed, and I value the opportunity I have to support them on both their academic and social-emotional journeys. The best part of my job is building relationships with my students and their families, so please feel free to reach out at any time.
My husband, Kevin, and I recently moved to Columbia from Philadelphia. We have loved exploring our new area and are excited to continue learning more about the city! We are huge Philly sports fans, so do not expect to see me in anything other than Eagles' green, but we are looking forward to immersing ourselves more into the world of USC sports. I also have a cat named Gamma who is the light of my life. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends or reading a good book.
Interesting Fact: I have lived in four different states, and I have wanted to be a school counselor since I was in middle school.
Education: B.A. - Millersville University - Psychology
M.Ed. - Eastern University - School Counseling
Who I Serve: Grades 1st, 3rd, and 5th
Contact Me: 803.821.4027 thimmelwright@lexington1.net
Bio: Hello Wildcats! I am Mrs. V. and I am excited to be your school counselor! I love helping students become confident problem solvers and lifelong learners. Most days you will find me in a classroom for a whole group lesson, with a small group of students to develop specific skills, working with students in individual sessions or connecting students & their families to important community resources.
My husband's name is Jason and together we have 2 girls, Lauryn (16) and Peyton (13). As a family, we enjoy traveling to our favorite places and exploring new ones, watching sports (Go Gamecocks!) and spending quality time together playing games and watching movies. I love to read or play pickleball! We have a Sheepadoodle named Wesley and a tabby cat, Buddy, who wears bowties.
Interesting Facts: I grew up on a farm in rural SC, I am mixed-handed (not ambidextrous) and I played volleyball at Anderson University (SC).
Education: B.S. - Anderson University - Exercise Physiology
M.Ed. - Liberty University - School Counseling
Who I Serve: 4/5K, 2nd and 4th
Contact Me: 803.821.4066 jvassallo@lexington1.net
The Role of a School Counselor:
School counselors work with students through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual counseling sessions to teach skills such as making friends, managing emotions, solving problems, resolving conflicts, and building confidence. School counselors also collaborate with teachers, families, and school staff to support each child's unique needs and to promote a positive school environment where every student feels valued and included.
The purpose of a school counseling department is to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether a student needs support adjusting to a new situation, working through a challenge, or celebrating personal growth, the school counselor is here to encourage, support, and empower every student along the way.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Check back for 2026-2027 school year events!