Want to know more about my role as the Counselor at Hawthorne? Check out some frequently asked questions to learn more!

What does an elementary guidance counselor do?

I wear many hats as the counselor. Some of the tasks I do are: teach weekly classes, conduct counseling groups, see students individually, counselor parents, assist with crises, consult with teachers, administrators, parents and other agencies and schools, attend case conferences, support PBIS, serve on the school Data Team, serve on the PBIS team, coordinate and plan family events, assist with transitioning students to middle school, and much more.

What type of referrals come to a guidance counselor?

Divorce adjustment, death of a significant person, anger issues, adoption, abandonment, low self confidence, friendship, stress, trauma, moving, conflict resolution, mental illness, bullying, managing emotions, significant illness in child or family, organizational challenges, foster home, abuse and neglect, and any other issues touching the lives of children, which impact their ability to function in the school setting and to reach their potential.

Does Guidance Counseling take the place of my child's agency/community counselor/therapist?

No. I will be happy to communicate (with your written permission) with your child's agency counselor if it will be helpful in their treatment, and work in coordination with the counselor as part of a team to help your child be successful. Individual school counseling is typically done on a short term basis, and is meant to help with issues that are impeding with learning. Agency counseling is a more in depth form of therapy than school counseling. School counseling is not a replacement for outside agency therapy.