About Your School Counselor

Mrs. Hernández

About

Mrs. Hernández is a school counselor who holds a master's degree, a license in clinical social work, and a pupil personnel services credential in both school social work and school counseling.

My vision is to help all students, regardless of ability to be their best selves. As a school counselor, my mission is to teach students to identify emotions, self-regulate, and develop social skills that will help them be successful in their community. I also expose students to various career options and assist them academically so that students can reach their goals.

The persons who have had the biggest influence on becoming a school counselor are my mother, who has always told me that I would be the first in our family to go to college and that I could be anything I wanted to be. And my teachers who encouraged me along the way to be a "wise choice maker" and not give up.

As a school counselor, I am able to give back what was given to me as a child, encouragement and support. Without the help and support from my mother and teachers, I would not have come as far as I have. I am a living example of being able to reach your dreams through hard work no matter the circumstance, and that is something I share openly with my students at Quail Valley Elementary.


Services

Direct

  1. Counselor Classroom Lessons

    • In-person social/emotion lessons are delivered monthly in the classroom supporting the Second Step curriculum. The units covered include growth mindset, goal setting, emotion management, empathy, kindness, problem-solving, and college and career lessons.

  2. Group Counseling

    • Students per group focus on psycho-education, social problem solving, and academics. Students are selected based on attendance, academic data, staff/student/parent referrals. Group counseling is 4-8 sessions in length.

  3. Individual Counseling

    • Advisement for students dealing with academic, college/career, or personal (social-emotional) issues. Counselors may use a wide variety of techniques including talk, special board games and mats, art, mindfulness/grounding, books, role-play, and worksheets. Individual counseling is 4-8 weeks long. For mental health issues, please refer to a therapist.

Indirect Services

  1. Consultation

  2. Referrals

  3. Collaboration

  4. Advocacy


Role of the School Counselor

For more information, visit this ASCA resource on the role of the school counselor here.