6th Grade Counselor

AShaw@sd308.org

630-636-2614

Hello Thompson Tigers and Parents! 

I am the 6th grade counselor. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in communication and theater. After working in downtown Chicago for a few years, I decided education, specifically counseling, is where I needed to be. I headed back to school at night and earned my master’s in education in school counseling from DePaul University, Chicago.

Since earning my master’s, my professional life has taken me many places. I started my career working at a small Catholic high school on the north side of Chicago for two years. From there, I moved to Portland, Ore., and worked in a suburban high school as a counselor for four years. Ah, the mountains sure are pretty when you’ve just seen cornfields your whole life! But, alas, the Midwest kept calling me home. I moved back to Chicago and worked for a couple of years in the Chicago Public Schools. I then found a more permanent career home at Thompson Junior High School in 2008. The good news is that I survived as a JH parent, and so will you. Just know I'm here to help in any way I can.

7th Grade Counselor

SBott@sd308.org

630-636-2627

Hello Thompson Tigers! 

I am your 7th grade school counselor. I grew up in a family who worked with and had a strong passion for helping students grow and pursue their goals. I received my bachelors degree from Iowa State University, while working as a 1:1 paraprofessional for students with special needs. I then continued my journey to an alternative high school classroom as a teaching assistant for students needing emotional and behavioral support. I fell in love with connecting with students and finding the unique ways that helped them learn best. Following time in the classroom, I became a job coach for those students, running an internship program, and exploring colleges/careers that may be the best potential fit for their future. 

I completed my masters degree at Northeastern Illinois University in school counseling and became a nationally certified counselor. This is my first year here at Thompson and I am thrilled about the opportunity to support our students and families with navigating academics, social/emotional challenges, and post-secondary exploration. Please reach out with any concerns, questions, or things to celebrate. It’s going to be a great year! (:

8th Grade Counselor

AGilbert@sd308.org

630-636-2615

Hello Thompson Tigers and Families!

I am the 8th grade counselor.  I grew up and graduated from Batavia High School.  I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in psychology.  I then received my master's degree in school counseling and mental health counseling from Lewis University.

I started my career as a special education paraprofessional at Kaneland High School, working there for two years.  I then worked for three years as a counselor & behavior specialist at an alternative school.  In 2019, I became a school counselor for Thompson Junior High.  What I love most about being a counselor at Thompson is helping my students become successful in all aspects of their lives and witnessing that success!  I am very excited to be starting my 7th year at Thompson and I look forward to getting to know your student(s) and family during your time here!