Counselor's Corner

If you are experiencing a crisis, please call 911 or use one of the following resources:

Student Safety Hotline: 1-877-676-9852

MD Youth Hotline: 1-800-422-0009


Counseling Referrals:

If your child can benefit from counseling, please do not hesitate to refer them to me! You may email me directly at justine.elliott@pgcps.org.

Counseling Services Available

Individual Counseling

  • Teacher/Parent referred or self-referred

  • Short term; over 6 weeks time

Small Group Counseling

  • Focused on specific, common topic

  • Short term; over 6 weeks time

Classroom Counseling

  • Bi-Weekly whole group classroom lessons

  • Lessons are based on monthly counseling themes

  • Can be need based as well

Virtual Office

Virtual Office Hours:

**By Appointment ONLY**

You may send an email to set up a time to meet.

**All calls will be through ZOOM

Parent Back to School Night Resources

This page will be updated regularly with resources for parents and students.

About Your Professional School Counselor


Mrs. Justine Murdock has been part of the TGES family as the School Counselor for seven years. She is a PG County native and loves working with students in her community. justine.elliott@pgcps.org






Ms. Esme Pierzchala is a School Counseling intern from the University of Maryland. She is from Rockville, MD and worked with students in D.C. before pursuing school counseling. She is excited to be here!

pg_esme.pierzchala@pgcps.org

What is a school counselor?

School counselors work with parents, school staff, and the community to help all children achieve academic success. They provide education, prevention, and early intervention through a comprehensive and developmental school counseling program. All direct and indirect services are provided through academic, emotional/social, and career development, which are designed by the American School Counseling Association Standards.

My Mission Statement: To develop a foundation for students to learn, grow, and be appropriately social in and out of a school environment. Students will receive the support and resources they need to be college, career, and community ready.


I am here to help students...

  • Work out friendship problems

  • Set goals

  • Develop good work habits

  • Work well with others

  • Feel good about yourself

  • Adjust to a new school

  • Learn how to make decisions

  • Manage your feelings (stress, worry, anger, etc.)

  • Deal with peer pressure and bullying