Counseling

Education and Experience

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland at College Park in May of 2005. I graduated with a Masters of Education in School Counseling from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in May 2019. I have worked with children and adolescents in some capacity since 2007 including mentoring at-risk youth and providing vocation training to inner-city youth in Washington DC, and Philadelphia, PA. After moving from Colorado to Vermont in July 2020, I am ecstatic to be part of the Hyde Park Elementary School family.

Philosophy of Education and Counseling

School counselors play an integral and vital role within the educational system. School counseling programs focus on providing academic, career, and personal social emotional development to all students within the school environment. Providing a safe and nurturing school is of the upmost importance for school counselors. School counselors are advocates, leaders and collaborators working for systemic change to embrace diversity, culture, equity and success for all students. School counselors respect the values, beliefs, and different perspectives that exist as each of us has his or her own unique life experiences. School counselors provide the necessary resources and play the role of community liaisons when assisting students and their families. Education and life at home are inseparable and must be viewed as one in order to bring about student success. School counselors provide assistance as their students develop and grow into adults while guiding them to become productive citizens.

Counseling Techniques and Services

I utilize a variety of counseling techniques when working with students including solution-focused brief therapy, person-centered approaches, and strength-based therapy.

• -Individual Counseling
• -Group Counseling
• -Classroom Guidance
• -Program Development
• -Referrals > Due to limitations of my time and scope, I can recommend/refer to outside counseling and resources within the local community.

Confidentiality

I recognize that trust is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship. I aspire to earn the trust of my students by creating an ongoing partnership, establishing and upholding appropriate boundaries, and maintaining confidentiality. Information disclosed during counseling sessions is treated with the greatest respect. As required by law, however, there are several limits to confidentiality. These limits include the threat or harm to self or others, suspected child or elder abuse or neglect, and by court order. As I work with children, I encourage and request open communication with parents/guardians. At the same time, I ask parents/guardians to respect the counseling process and preserve the confidentiality of session details.