Mrs. Larissa Valonis, MS, NCC is WHSD's K-12 Crisis Counselor. Her office is located at Honesdale High School, but she serves all buildings in the Wayne Highlands School District. Parents and caregivers can expect her to provide clear, compassionate communication with families, keeping them informed about student well-being and next steps. Often, after an initial screening is completed, a comprehensive suicide risk assessment is warranted and will be completed by the crisis counselor or designee.  It is highly important to note that research shows risk assessment screening and protocol cannot accurately predict suicide outcomes. "Although screening and risk assessment instruments lack the precision we would hope for and require good clinical judgment, the consensus is that a structured and consistent way of evaluating and weighing risk and protective factors, regardless of whether one uses an actual screening or assessment instrument, is important in order to elicit critical information and assist in management." - National Library of Medicine. The purpose of reporting any risk-assessment results to parents/caregivers is to underscore the need for parents/guardians to act, not to report a judgement of risk.

 The crisis counselor will also work with families to create and monitor a personalized safety plan, ensuring ongoing support after it is initiated. As a resource, Mrs. Valonis aids families in navigating school and community services, coordinating re-entry plans and CASSP meetings, as needed. If outside services are warranted, then she can assist with referrals and, with the appropriate release from parents or students over 14, collaborate with external providers to maintain consistent care. Additionally, the Mrs. Valonis provides direct student support through short-term counseling and runs educational support groups via the SAP team.

This is Mrs. Valonis' 15th year as a school counselor, previously serving in roles including elementary and secondary school counselor, K-12 school counseling and mental health chair, and has served the Board Chair for the Pennsylvania School Counselor's Association, where she has served as a Board Director for 6 years. In addition, she has experience working in the private mental health sector. Mrs. Valonis graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park with a BS in Crime, Law, & Justice and a minor in Sociology. She then went on to graduate from the University of Scranton where she earned her MS in School Counseling. In addition, she is considered a School Counseling Leadership and Mental Health Specialist by the American School Counselor Association. Mrs. Valonis is a cofounder of the School Counselors of NEPA and previously held the position of President of the NEPA Counseling Association.