Monika Soennichsen, MS, LSC (she/her)
Elementary School Counselor
Duniway Elementary School
503-916-6343 (x76538)
Approach to School Counseling:
I believe the school counselor's office is a safe space where all students are met with kindness and acceptance - a place where they can seek connection, refuge, and restoration.
I believe the school counselor's office is a safe space where all students are met with kindness and acceptance - a place where they can seek connection, refuge, and restoration.
As a school counselor, I support students in their academic, emotional, and social development; helping students bridge their multiple worlds (home, school, & larger community); and connect students and families with needed resources.
As a school counselor, I support students in their academic, emotional, and social development; helping students bridge their multiple worlds (home, school, & larger community); and connect students and families with needed resources.
In my school counseling work, I use various evidence-based social emotional learning curricula, such as Sources of Strength, Ruler, Kelso's Choices, Zones of Regulation, MindUp, and Second Step. I believe in the power of literature and story to connect and inspire, so I like to incorporate literature-based SEL in my lessons whenever possible. I also use the “Create More, Fear Less” curriculum, which encourages students to use art and journaling to explore and manage feelings.
In my school counseling work, I use various evidence-based social emotional learning curricula, such as Sources of Strength, Ruler, Kelso's Choices, Zones of Regulation, MindUp, and Second Step. I believe in the power of literature and story to connect and inspire, so I like to incorporate literature-based SEL in my lessons whenever possible. I also use the “Create More, Fear Less” curriculum, which encourages students to use art and journaling to explore and manage feelings.
About Ms. Soennichsen:
My undergraduate degree is from Western Washington University, where I studied Communication and Psychology. I received my Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and my School Counseling education at Portland State University.
My undergraduate degree is from Western Washington University, where I studied Communication and Psychology. I received my Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and my School Counseling education at Portland State University.
I live in northeast Portland with my husband and daughters. I enjoy reading (fiction and non-fiction), running, hiking, x-country skiing, going out to movies/musicals, cooking, and relaxing with family and friends.
I live in northeast Portland with my husband and daughters. I enjoy reading (fiction and non-fiction), running, hiking, x-country skiing, going out to movies/musicals, cooking, and relaxing with family and friends.
A readloud with Ms. Soennichsen: "The Kissing Hand"
Click here to listen to Ms. Soennichsen read "The Kissing Hand" and learn about the secret that helps both Chester and his mother say their school-day goodbyes, enjoy their time apart (whether at school, work, or home) and look forward to when they will be together again later in the day!
Click here to listen to Ms. Soennichsen read "The Kissing Hand" and learn about the secret that helps both Chester and his mother say their school-day goodbyes, enjoy their time apart (whether at school, work, or home) and look forward to when they will be together again later in the day!