PAES School counseling

Here at PAES, we believe EVERY. STUDENT. CAN.

 Welcome to PAES School Counseling!

Hello! I’m Mrs. Carla Neal, and I’m proud to serve as the school counselor here at PAES — the same halls where I once walked as a student myself. Growing up in Port Allegany and graduating from PAHS in 2004, this community has always been home, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support our students and families every day.

I earned my degree in Sociology from Pitt-Bradford, followed by a master’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a master’s in School Counseling from St. Bonaventure. Over the years, I’ve worked as a TSS (BHT), SAP liaison, and crisis worker — experiences that have helped me understand the unique needs of students and the importance of strong school-home partnerships.

My husband, Brian, and I are raising our four daughters — Eliza, Olivia, Anna, and Emma — right here in Port Allegany. As both a counselor and a parent, I know how important it is to feel connected and supported in your child’s school experience.

My goal is to partner with you to help every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether your student needs a little extra support, a listening ear, or someone to celebrate their successes, I’m here to help. Together, we can make PAES a place where every child feels valued and ready to succeed.

How I Support Our Students

At PAES, my goal is to help every student feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Here are some of the ways I can help:

• Classroom Lessons – Teaching skills like friendship, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and more.

• Small Groups – Offering support for students who may benefit from extra help with topics like coping skills, social skills, or confidence building.

• Individual Support – Meeting one-on-one with students to help them navigate personal, social, or academic challenges.

• Referrals & Resources – Connecting families with outside agencies or resources when additional support is needed.

Together, we can make sure every child has what they need to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.

 CHOP Update: There is currently a lack of funding for the CHOP program. This means there will be no CHOP bags being sent home this year. If funding becomes available and CHOP resumes, we will notify parents.