Guidance Curriculum
Classroom Counseling lessons are meant to further develop students' self awareness, emotional intelligence, interpersonal/relationship skills, social awareness, and responsible decision making skills. Lesson topics and activities are age appropriate and occur regularly in students' classrooms throughout the year.
Small Group Counseling
Group Counseling is available to students for a variety of needs. Some small groups may be more general to develop friendship, resiliency, social skills, etc. However, other small groups may more specific for students experiencing family changes, grief, or needing help with anxiety, self esteem, or anger management. Play therapy groups may be utilized for our youngest groups in order to meet their developmental needs. Small group counseling is available for students through teacher, parent, or self referral. I will contact you to discuss potential placement, at which point you can decide whether or not you would like your child to participate. Please contact me if you wish to discuss referring your child.
Short Term Individual Counseling
Short term individual and crisis counseling for students who have a need that is better suited for one on one support. Individual meetings with students consist of brief, solution-focused, strengths-based interventions to assist children with needs that affect them during the school day. Sessions are limited and referrals to outside providers/agencies can be given upon request when more in-depth, longer term counseling is appropriate.
Consultation and Referrals
I am available for consult with teachers, parents, and staff regarding child behavior, ongoing academic concerns, and various social and emotional issues. If needed, I can make referrals to organizations in the community. I also have a wealth of resources available to share! Please contact me beforehand, and I can prepare any materials and resources I feel might be helpful to the issue at hand. I have listed a variety of community resources under the resources section of this website as well.
Mentors and PALS
We coordinate the involvement of Stony Point High School PALS (Peer Assistant and Leadership) as well as STARS Mentors from the surrounding community to come in and mentor students on a weekly basis. Mentors Students are referred by parents and teachers and will be assigned a mentor as soon as a match can be made. Click here for more information on the STARS Mentor program and curriculum. Please contact us if you feel that your child would benefit from having a PALS or STARS Mentor.
College and Career Readiness
It is important, even at an early age, that children be exposed to a variety of career options and possibilities, presented in a manner that is engaging and developmentally appropriate. We will offer various events throughout the year designed to peak children's curiosity and excitement about life after high school, and to empower them to develop their strengths and interests while connecting that to future educational and career choices.
Middle School Transition
Transitioning to Middle School can sometimes be a time of stress and uncertainty for students and their family, but we are here to make the transition as easy and comfortable as possible. I will be coordinating efforts with Hernandez to communicate all upcoming transition events (typically starting in January) and processes. I will also be in contact with students not attending Hernandez to ensure families receive the correct choice sheets and transition information. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns about your child's transition. Here is just one of many helpful articles available on supporting your child through this transition, please contact me for more resources: "Smoothing Your Child's Transition to Middle School".