Welcome to the Counselor’s Corner site by Ms. Elvie,

When I am asked about where I am from, I answer that I am from Brooklyn, NY.  Although increasingly I want to say I am from San Diego, since “home is where the heart is”.  But, when I see puzzled faces, I clarify that my accent is Polish.  

I left Poland after graduating from high school and enrolled in the English Immersion program in Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.  There I also earned my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with certification in Women’s Studies.  Next was Brooklyn College (both part of the City University of New York), where I earned the Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology, followed by Master’s in Counseling and Education Specialist degree in School Counseling.  After several years teaching in Brooklyn's Coney Island and Brighton Beach areas, life brought me to the beautiful San Diego.   In 2012 good fortune allowed my family to move to our beloved "Island in the Hills".  I now call Tierrasanta home and will happily never change that.  Academic year 2024/2025 is my sixth year as school counselor and I realize my good fortunate to live where I love while doing what I am passionate about.

My loves are my kids, my dogs, my books, music that makes my skin tingle, and nature.

Something few know about me is that as a child I went to music school and played accordion.  It now resides in the rafters of my garage but it remains my hope that I’ll relearn it enough to put it to hobby level use again.

My passion is recognizing, teaching, and promoting empathy and kindness, while always remembering that true empathy and kindness take place only when in light of honoring other people's unique experiences and perspectives.  I do not think people overreact, but rather react the best they know how based in their unique life experiences.  Enriching kids' emotional intelligence by Social Emotional Lessons in school and at home is the best way to teach them navigating the inevitable challanges life brings.  

Please feel free to reach out to me via email eplaskota@sandi.net or text message to my work/google voice cell #  619-663-6662  .  We can schedule an in person meeting, phone conversation, or Microsoft Teams meeting.

Elvie Plaskota

School Counselor

Tierrasanta Elementary School