978-692-5582 ext. 6168
Mrs. Leone is the current 8th grade School Counselor at Blanchard. She is a graduate of Bates College where she majored in Psychology. She completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Focus in School and Community and a School Counselor Specialization from Lesley University in 2007. Mrs. Leone joined the BMS staff in 2014. She has been a School Counselor for 19 years. She loves working with Middle School students and collaborating with families. She believes that all children are capable of experiencing success and continuously growing with the appropriate support and caring.
Mrs. Leone has three children and a Whoodle. In her free time she enjoys running, skiing, playing pickelball, coaching her children's sports, exploring National Parks with her family, hiking, biking, kayaking, crocheting, and reading.
Mrs. Leone is looking forward to working with her students during their 6th grade year!
978-692-5582 ext. 6165
Born and raised in Worcester County, Ms. Fernandes has always admired the school counselors who supported and inspired her growing up. After graduating from Keene State College and Cambridge College, she has continued to pursue her lifelong passion for understanding what makes each of us unique. Outside of work, Ms. Fernandes enjoys going to the movies, diving into a new sci-fi book, and watching travel vlogs as she dreams up her next solo adventure!
978-692-5582 ext. 6173
Mr. Manning is the 8th grade counselor for this year. He was born and raised in Westford and is so excited to now work in the amazing school district that he was a student in! After ten years of working in schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels Mr. Manning found that his passion lies in hearing students’ stories and supporting their social and emotional health. So, he completed his Master’s in School Counseling at Merrimack College and joined the Blanchard Bulldog family : )
Some fun facts about him include that he loves theater and singing and often performs in shows when he is not at school. He is also a huge movie buff. He has started to collect popcorn buckets and encourages you to come to his office and see some of his favorites!
978-692-5582 ext. 6164
My high school English teacher inspired me to become a social worker. I grew up in Lexington, MA. I went to the University of New Hampshire for undergrad and Boston College for grad school. I have always loved working in a school and being part of the wonderful community. I love getting to know everyone, hearing about their success and helping through the challenges.
One fun fact is I am a twin! I have a twin brother. A hobby is that I love to ski and have been skiing since I was 6 years old!.
One piece of advice I would give to students is to work on advocating for yourself. It is important to communicate with your teachers and get the support you need.