Counselor's Corner
Real talk. Real tools.
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Stephen Decatur Counseling Department
The Stephen Decatur Counseling Department is here to support students and families every step of the way. Our team of three school counselors works with students to help them grow socially and emotionally, succeed academically, and prepare for future college and career goals. Counselors provide a variety of supports, including short-term counseling, classroom guidance lessons, small groups, 504 planning, and connections to outside services such as the Student Assistance Program (SAP), Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) and MORE. We work closely with families, community partners, and school staff to ensure each student feels supported, valued, and ready to succeed.
Here at Decatur, YOU BELONG and YOU MATTER
Decatur scholars engaging in SEL activities
Meet Ms.Berry
Ms. Berry is one of our counselors here at Decatur! If you have any questions please send her an email at jsberry@philasd.org .
Meet Ms. Davis
Hi! My name is Erica Davis, and I am a school counselor with seven years of experience in the School District of Philadelphia. This is my second year here at Stephen Decatur, and I am so happy to be part of the Decatur community. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and completed my Master of Arts degree in School Counseling at Eastern University.
My favorite part of being a school counselor is connecting with students and helping them build confidence in themselves. I have always loved working with children and supporting others, which makes school counseling the perfect career for me.
Outside of school, I am a proud mom and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I have one kitten named Turbo and one dog named Foxxie. In my free time, I love to cook, attend concerts, and spend time at the beach.
My office is located in Room 208, and I always enjoy visits from Decatur Scholars!
Feel free to reach out on Class Dojo or by email: edavis@philasd.org
Meet Mr. Shabazz
Meet Mr. Shabazz
Hello Decatur Community!!
I am one of our School Counselors, and my name is Daniel Shabazz. I am in my fourth year as a counselor in the School District of Philadelphia, and this is just my first year here at Stephen Decatur!
I attended West Chester Univeristy for my Bachelors degree and Temple University for my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology.
When I am not at school, you might find me at a philadelphia sporting event (Eagles, Phillies and 76ers mainly), taking weekend trips, or finding something new to do in the area.
My office is located in room 208 and the counseling door is always open for our students and community as we navigate through the school day.
Any questions or concerns please reach out via Classdojo or Email: Dshabazz@philasd.org
Talking with Teens...(Yikes)
Talking with Teens...(Yikes)
For many parents, the daily ritual of asking, "How was your day?" often feels more like a dead end than a connection, resulting in a monosyllabic "fine" or a shrug. This isn't because your child doesn't want to share, but often because they lack the specific prompt to bridge the gap between their bustling school life and home. Moving beyond generic questions requires a shift toward inquiries that spark specific memories, emotions, and creativity. By changing how we ask, we can unlock richer conversations that not only improve communication but also foster deeper emotional connection and trust between parent and child.
Conversation Starters for Parents:
🧩 Focus on Fun & Specifics
🧩 Focus on Fun & Specifics
"What was the funniest thing that happened today?"
"Did you learn any new words today that you can teach me?"
"What was your favorite thing you did at recess?"
"Did anyone say something really silly to you?"
💡 Focus on Learning & Growth
💡 Focus on Learning & Growth
"What was the hardest thing you had to do today? How did you figure it out?"
"Did you try anything new today? What was it?"
"What is one thing you learned today that you didn't know yesterday?"
"Did you get to be creative at all today? What did you make?"
🤝 Focus on Social Dynamics
🤝 Focus on Social Dynamics
"Who was kind to you today?"
"Did you play with someone new today?"
"What was the best thing you ate for lunch?"
Pro Tip: To make this a conversation rather than an interview, share something about your own day first. Telling them about a mistake you made or something funny that happened at work encourages them to open up about their own experiences.
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