PVJH Counseling Department - Meet the Counselors

Phil Kenney

Mr. Kenney is beginning his twelfth year as a school counselor, and starting his 8th at PVJH. He received his Masters in School Counseling from Western Illinois in 2014, after earning his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Truman State University.

Mr. Kenney enjoys his role at PVJH because of the opportunities he gets on a daily basis to build relationships, and help young people grow as individuals.

When not coaching during football or track season Mr. Kenney enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. His favorite hobbies include traveling, attending sporting events, and playing golf or disc golf.

Emily Krist

kristemily@pleasval.org

Mrs. Krist is starting her 9th year as a school counselor and 3rd year at PVJH. She received her Masters in School Counseling from Western Illinois University in 2017 after completing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2014.

Mrs. Krist became a counselor because she lives by the motto, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life." She enjoys helping students reach their full potential by working with them on personal, social, and academic skills. Mrs. Krist enjoys helping students learn to advocate for themselves and working with students and families during the fun and challenge of junior high school.

Outside of school, Mrs. Krist enjoys spending time with her family (husband and 2 kids, and cat), reading, biking, yoga, listening to music/going to concerts, and trying new restaurants with friends.

Jenny Wilson

wilsonjenny@pleasval.org

Mrs. Wilson is starting her 8th year at PVJH. She received her Masters in School Counseling from Western Illinois University in 2018, after earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Art from Mount Mercy University.

Mrs. Wilson is passionate about helping students develop the mindset and coping skills needed to flourish in their adolescent years and beyond. Mrs. Wilson believes that genuine learning is based on the development of positive and supportive relationships throughout the lifespan.

When the school day is done, Mrs. Wilson loves to travel, practice her photography, try new foods and spend time with her husband, dog, family and friends.

What does your school counselor actually do? This video will answer all your burning questions.

Watch this short video about a day in the life of a school counselor!

Why Junior High School Counselors Are Important for Student Success:

Junior high school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. Middle school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness (ASCA, 2017).

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