School Counseling Department
Mrs. Paterson's Welcome Back Video 2021!
Hi Families! This is my fist year at Hillsdale Elementary School. I am very excited to be your school counselor. Even though we are distance learning, there are several ways that we can connect and I can help you. I will be attending synchronous zoom meetings to teach Second Step Lessons, I will be offering group counseling during asynchronous time and I will be available to zoom one on one with students or talk on the phone too. Parents please don't hesitate to reach out to me so we can figure out the best time and day for me to help your child. Together, we can do this!
A little bit about me. I grew up and went to school in Merced, California. I was an only child and it was very lonely! I loved being at school because that was mostly the only time I had to socialize with others my age. School met both my academic and social needs. When I turned 18, I moved from my small town and headed to Sacramento to attend Sacramento State University. I absolutely love Sacramento and all it has to offer that I decided after college I was going to reside here!
I've been happily married to Mr. Paterson for the last nine years and we have two children together; Richie, who is in first grade and Alexis who is in preschool.
During my free time, I like to workout! Now that the gyms aren't easily accessible, I like to walk in my neighborhood and workout to virtual HIIT trainings.
Meet Ms. Miller
Hello Students and Families!
I am happy to be joining Hillsdale Elementary this year as one of your school counselors. This is my first year at Hillsdale and my first year in the role of a school counselor; I’m excited to meet, work with, and learn from everyone. I will be on the school campus on Thursdays and Fridays.
Here’s a little about me. While this is my first year at Hillsdale, I have been an RSP teacher with the Twin Rivers district since 2017. I have been teaching for about 10 years and found that I really enjoy working with students on social emotional skills, as well as academic skills. I was born and raised right here in Sacramento. I attended schools in this district and graduated from Rio Linda High School. I am married to Mr. Miller and we have two grown children – our daughter is a music teacher and our son works in the biotechnology field.
When I am not working, I enjoy feeding the birds and squirrels in my backyard. I love animals and currently have one very spoiled cat. I also enjoy hiking and playing board games.
I look forward to getting to know you all!
Costume Parade
What an incredible school year so far! We have many new faces at our school, including a new principal, Mrs. Fee! We have had a lot of fun learning here at Hillsdale and that includes social and emotional learning too! My classroom lessons so far have included: Emotional Regulation, Bullying Prevention and Study Skills!
Catch My Breathe
6th graders are taught all about the short term and long term consequences from E-Cigarettes through a curriculum that I teached called "Catch My Breathe" After the lessons were completed, we celebrating with some DipNDots!
Recess Room
The counseling room is such a special place that I think all students should have access! With that being said, recess room came about. Recess room is an alternative recess. 15 students can come into the counseling room during recess and can choose board games, legos, puppets, drawing and books!
Small Group Counseling
I love running small groups for our students. Small group counseling is offered to students during the school day and ranges anywhere from 6-12 weeks depending on the topic. Consent from parents/guardians is required for participation. Topics include: social skills, impulse control, anger management, grief, divorced/blended families, anxiety.
Classroom Lessons
Twice a month I am invited into classrooms to teach a 30 minute lesson on different monthly themes. During the lessons students learn valuable interpersonal skills, social skills and life skills.
August: Meet the Counselor
September: Emotional Regulation
October: Bullying Prevention/ Catch My Breathe
November/December: Study Skills
January: Empathy
February: Kindness
March: Test Anxiety/Study Skills
April: College and Career
May/June: Mental Wellness