Katie Schariest (Share-ist)
School Counselor
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Meet the School Counselor
Hi! My name is Katie Schariest. I am excited to be your school counselor for the 2025-2026 school year at Tierra Linda 5 days a week, and at PVSEA for expanded learning (after school) 3 days a week! Before becoming a school counselor in 2022, I taught special education in Pennsylvania (where I grew up) and then Virginia. I am a former military spouse (my husband retired this year!) and I have 2 daughters in 4th and 2nd grades that attend a PVSD school.
I have found my passion in school counseling. Fostering equity, promoting children's social/emotional development, and empowering students bring me great joy. In addition, I feel that being an educator is one of the most important and rewarding professions, but it is also the hardest so I love to support teachers and other school staff. For whole class support, I provide classroom lessons on social-emotional topics. I also provide short-term individual, small group, and crisis counseling.
Along with spending time with my family, I enjoy taking my 10 year old yellow lab for walks, reading, and going to or talking about Disneyland!
I am happy to help in any way that I can with any struggles you, your child, or your family is having. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at kschariest@pleasantvalleysd.org.
-Katie Schariest, School Counselor
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What does a School Counselor do?
A: School counselors are leaders who provide direct and indirect student services for all students. We support students' social-emotional, career, and academic success by teaching students skills to cope with big emotions so that they may achieve their full potential. When needed, we support students' social skill development using restorative practices. As an ELO (Expanded Learning Opportunities) counselor, I will provide counseling support to students and families after school (until 6pm on select days).
Q: Can you provide my child with individual counseling?
A: As a school counselor, I can provide counseling to your child on a brief, short-term basis. I use solution-focused techniques to address any challenges that you, your child, or your family may want or need help with. Four to six sessions is typically the scope of what a school counselor can provide. School counselors are not therapists, but I am happy to work with your family on finding that type of support if your child needs more intensive services.
If you would like to and are able to help support the Counseling Office, please check out this Amazon wish list of items that could enhance the welcoming environment we have created. Thank you so much for your support!
Community Resources
This list has been provided by Pleasant Valley School District to assist families in locating community resources. It is not an exhaustive list, and PVSD does not assume responsibility for the services rendered or fees required.
PVSD Community Resources - Guide.pdfPage updated
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