How can I set up an appointment to meet with you?
Feel free to email me or call me anytime. We can make an appointment for you to come in to meet or I can see your child per your request. I can be reached at dcesaro@sttheresenorth.org or 816-741-5400 ext 418
How does my child set up an appointment to meet with you?
Students have many ways to set up an appointment to meet with me. Younger students often have parents reach out to me or tell the teacher to send me an email Students in 4th grade and up will be given information on ways to set up an individual appointment online (see google form below). Additionally, outside of my office, there is a mailbox in which students can fill out a paper form requesting a visit. My office is located in the administrative hallway past the front desks, so students will need permission to visit my office unannounced - this protects the privacy of students in my office as well as reduces students wandering the halls. I am often outside of my office so scheduling visits ahead of time is preferred. In case of any sort of mental health crisis, staff will contact me in the building as is needed.
When should you seek counseling?
There are times when we all need a little help to solve problems that overwhelm us or cause emotional stress. Counselors provide caring, expert assistance during these times. We help to identify stressors in your life & assist in finding the best ways to cope by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation beyond your control. Remember, for many issues, there are no quick fixes- they take time, work, & often parent support.
My family is going through a transition & I’m concerned about my child.
If your family is experiencing a transition (moving, changing schools, family additions, divorce), you may see some changes in the behavior of your child. This is absolutely normal! Children adjust to transitions very differently depending on the child/situation. Providing stability & routine in your child’s life is important, in addition to a nurturing & supportive environment. I’m happy to consult with parents & discuss the possibility of my help with counseling services if needed or outside resources.
How can I talk to my child about bullying?
If you feel your child has been bullied at school, speak to your child’s classroom teacher as soon as possible. You can also offer suggestions to your child such as ignoring, walking away, telling them to stop, using an “I” message, going to a trusted adult (which is not tattling; this is requesting assistance with a serious problem). I am also available to offer further assistance if the problem persists. Please see my bullying resource for parents I provided as well.
Can a school counselor provide individual counseling?
I cannot be a student’s individual therapist – this is beyond the scope of my role. If I am in my office doing individual therapy with students all day, I cannot provide what is needed for 100% of students. I can see students on a 1-1 basis but this should not replace outside services if needed. If further help is needed I can recommend local counselors to continue services.
What do you do all day?
Each day is different, which is one thing I love about being a school counselor! My day can go from checking in with a student to get his day started off well, to mediating a conflict between two on-again, off-again friends, to listening to a parent report that their child is refusing to come to school, to supervising/visiting students @ lunchtime, to teaching a lesson to first graders about personal space, to playing positive choices Jenga with a group of active boys, to consoling a crying student who’s missing mom or missing dad, to checking in with teachers about certain struggling students, to meeting regarding a education plan or other kind of meeting to plan for a student’s needs, to recording notes (never ending!) so I can remember what I did that day. We wear many ‘hats’ throughout our day. It is an extremely rewarding profession that I am very grateful to be apart of.
Are parents notified when a student visits the counselor?
Parent notification depends on the purpose of the student’s visit. Parents are notified & must give permission for students to participate in support groups that meet regularly. For behavioral support incentives & quick care meetings, parents are typically not alerted. However, issues can arise during these meetings that may merit parental notification.
Are counselors all about mushy feelings?
There may be some school counselors who are mushy gushy, but I’m not one of them. I do teach about feelings a lot, but this makes me a teacher of social-emotional skills that are crucial for your child’s development into a healthy, functioning adult.
Is information shared with the counselor also shared with teachers?
It really depends on the nature of the information. Typically, personal information shared with the counselor is not shared with the classroom teacher unless permission to share the information is granted by the student or the parent. Likewise, communication between myself and parents will not be shared with teachers without explicit permission.
Are you an expert on behavior & emotional problems in children?
I’m not an expert. I’m educated in psychology and child development, including behaviors & emotions that fall within the ‘norm’ for children of various ages. I also know though that kids are different & develop/learn when they’re ready. Try not to compare your child to another & simply enjoy yours while they’re still young & go through this amazing learning process. I do continually attend professional development opportunities and maintain professionalism in mental health support. I am active in community resources as well to help offer families resources to local supports outside of the school.
How is confidentiality handled?
All student information is kept in confidence in accordance to educational code. Disclosures of abuse &/or imminent danger to self or others are reported to the appropriate agency in accordance with the law. Situations jeopardizing student safety including incidents of abuse, imminent danger of self or others, bullying & sexual harassment are reported to the administrator in accordance with school policy.