Welcome BUCKS!
Purpose:
The BMU School Counseling Department strive to support the academic, career, and social/emotional development of students.
Photo of the Blue Mountain Quarry.
What we do:
We work jointly with vested stakeholders including (but not limited to): families, community members, faculty, educational support professional, and community collaborators (Clara Martin, NEKHS, Little Rivers Healthcare, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, etc.). The focus of this work is to promote student growth, and development. The BMU School Counseling Department will always take into consideration what is best for students socially, academically, emotionally, and developmentally.
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation/GEAR UP support students at BMU by planning for the future.
Name/Extension: Samantha Page, x 1137
Email: samantha.page@oesu.org
Title: PreK-6 School Counselor
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of the Southwest
About Me: I am SO thrilled to be the BMU Elementary School Counselor! I find that my personal values translate and align with my professional values. Be honest, be respectful, and be kind.
Aside from my time at BMU, I enjoy spending all my time with my family. I have a husband who also is a BMU Alumni, a son, and a daughter! I am excited for the day my babies get to walk these halls! As a family, we enjoy spending time at Groton Pond, boating, exploring new places, and working on the renovation of our family farm house.
Name/Extension: Julie Gandin, x 1136
Email: julie.gandin@oesu.org
Title: School Counselor
Education: Bachelor of Science in Family & Consumer Science from the University of Vermont, Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of the Southwest
About Me: I am in my 30th year at BMU. I began my career as the Family and Consumer Science teacher in 1994 and in 2005, switched gears to become the PreK-6 Elementary School Counselor. I retired in 2022, but continue to be at BMU on a part time basis. I have never thought of my job as "work." To me, I am still "going to school" and experiencing something new each day with the BMU Community!
Outside of school I find my most enjoyable moments spending time with family (especially my 9 grandchildren) going places, doing things, and making memories!
Name/Extension: Dawn Blanchard, x 1135
Email: dawn.blanchard@oesu.org
Title: 7-12 School Counselor
Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Counseling from Lyndon State College, Master of Science in School Counselor from Capella University, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Special Education from Northcentral University
About Me: I spend much of my free time with my husband, daughter, and our Jack Russell Terrier - Sadie Rose. Family is very important to me. I enjoy going to concerts, and have a vast love of music. The beach is my happy place. Growing up in the antiquing business, I continue to dabble in the art of finding treasures from years past.
Above all, I take great pride in being a BMU Alumna and supporting the leaders of tomorrow in their future planning.
Name/Extension: Jodi Hart, x 1310
Email: jodi.hart@oesu.org
Title: School Counseling Administrative Assistant & Registrar
Education: Associates Degree from the Community College of Vermont in Computer Systems Management
About Me: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, specifically my two grandchildren, they keep me on my toes. The coast of Maine has always been a special place for me. I have a passion for reading and like going to antique shops. I enjoy making personal connections with students and seeing them achieve their goals.
Name: Kassidy Moore
Title: VSAC GEAR UP Outreach Counselor
Email: moore@vsac.org
Education: Bachelors of Science from University of Maine at Farmington in Psychology with a Minor in Theatre, Masters of Education from University of Utah in Education Psychology with a Concentration in School Counseling
About me: I live in Northern New Hampshire with my Husband and our 2 dogs, Baxter and Juniper! When I am not at work, you can find me performing in my local community theatre or making costumes for the shows. I love spending time outdoors and love to paddleboard, go camping, and go dog sledding! You can almost always find me drinking a cup of tea. During the summers, my husband and I load our dogs up into our conversion van and we road trip around the United States. (I’ve been to 45 states!) I’m a first-generation college student from Maine, and I am so excited to help you all learn more about the amazing opportunities available after you graduate!