Counseling

Shenendehowa Middle School Counseling Department

School counselors communicate with students, teachers, and parents to support students’ personal, social, emotional, and academic growth. They encourage students to reach their goals and assist with key transitions from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school. 

Counselors begin working with students in 6th grade and remain with the same class through 8th grade. As members of the grade-level academic teams, they meet regularly with teachers and participate in team parent conferences, as well as individual meetings with families. Counselors are student advocates, and parents are encouraged to contact their child’s counselor with any questions or concerns.

Students are encouraged to meet with their counselor during lunch, flex, or study halls.  Students can set up appointments by email or stopping in to the counseling office

Parents and students should get to know their school counselor.  Your counselor wants you to have a successful three years in middle school and is ready to work with you to achieve your goals.

SOME REASONS FOR SEEING YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR….

• To discuss a personal problem

• To discuss social problems, friends, peer pressure, etc.

• To discuss academic concerns

• To obtain information regarding counseling programs (individual or small group counseling)

• To discuss a schedule problem or receive advice to help you make decisions about next year’s schedule

• To obtain information on careers

• To obtain working papers

These are just some examples of how your counselor can help you feel more comfortable.  Feel free to stop in the Counseling Office for any reason.

Confidentiality

At times it may be important to you that your discussion with your counselor remains confidential; please let your counselor know this at the very beginning.  However, in certain cases, it will not be possible for your counselor to agree to confidentiality.  Confidentiality will not exist if:

• Someone could be hurt (self or others)

• Something illegal has or will take place

How to Make an Appointment

• In most cases you will obtain a pre-signed pass from your counselor.

• A pass to see your counselor can also be obtained from a teacher or another staff member.

• You can feel free to stop in between classes for a pass.

• Email your counselor to request a pass.

Administrator for Gr. 6-8 Counseling

Matthew Davis, Counseling K-12

Phone: (518) 881-6877

E-mail: davimatt@shenschools.org 

Our Counselors

Acadia Counseling Center--(518) 881-0453

Gail Bates: bategail@shenschools.org 

Ellen Mainwaring: mainelle@shenschools.org 

Liza Reif: reifliza@shenschools.org  

Gowana Counseling Center--(518) 881-0463

Tricia Clark: clartric@shenschools.org 

Aimee McGinniss: mcgiaime@shenschools.org 

Caryn Simone: simocary@shenschools.org

Koda Counseling Center--(518) 881-0473

Chelsea Wilson: wilschel@shenschools.org 

Isaiah Vail: vailisai@shenschools.org 

Donald Shea: sheadona@shenschools.org 

Visit our Counseling & Career Center webpage

Shenendehowa has a comprehensive counseling plan based on the National Standards and model for Counseling, developed by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). To learn more about Shenendehowa's Comprehensive Counseling Plan, please visit the link.