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I’ve been a School Counselor here at the Middle School since 1997. Prior to that, I worked in two residential schools for kids with emotional and behavioral problems. I received my BA degree in psychology from Temple University, and then went to West Chester University to get my Master’s degree in School Counseling. I use a Solution-Focused approach in my counseling with students. This means that we try our best to focus on solutions instead of problems. I use different techniques to help kids identify and what needs to happen in order to reach their goals, and what steps we can take to get there. I try to empower kids to be active participants in solving their own problems, and I’m always amazed at the creative, inspiring ideas students come up with! I also work with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to try to come up with ideas to help kids who may be having a difficult time. Whether these issues are about your schoolwork, something going on at home, a problem with a friend, or another concern, my job is to help find ways to support you and help you find solutions. My favorite thing about my job (obviously!) is working with students. Middle school is a time when students experience an amazing amount of growth and change. There are also many unique challenges and struggles that Middle School students have to deal with. I enjoy watching kids mature into responsible, healthy young people, and I feel fortunate to be able to support them as they move through this often-difficult time.
I have worked within the Upper Moreland Middle School since 2006 as both a School Counselor and School Psychologist. Prior to that, I received my BA degree in Psychology from Holy Family University in 2003 and then earned my MA degree at Immaculata University in Counseling Psychology in 2006, where I also became certified as a School Psychologist and later a School Counselor. As a result, I have been an employee of Upper Moreland School District where I currently work as the 8th grade School Counselor. I use a common sense approach by tailoring counseling to the needs of the individual student. Students may need to solve present day problems so I help to identify distorted thinking that causes emotional discomfort. Other times, students need help analyzing their behavior, defining their problems, and selecting goals. Often, we focus on the solution instead of the problem. Sometimes, the only need is talking to someone. I approach students on an individual basis. Each student’s personality is unique. Some students work well with a direct approach while other students may need the opportunity to vent. Either way, by learning more about the student, I hope to give him/her the support they need. I consult and communicate with parents, school staff, and outside agencies when working with students. This gives me the opportunity to understand the student as a whole person. My goal is to best guide them in the right direction and provide help to students and families in need. Overall, I feel that the middle school years are the most difficult. Adolescents are trying to understand who they are, who their friends are, and who they want to be. This all can be difficult when trying to focus on getting their education. I love my job because it allows me the opportunity to work with students: deal with difficult situations, cope with unfortunate circumstances, maintain healthy levels of self esteem, and discover ways to be successful emotionally and academically. By doing so, I hope students learn simple techniques that they will be able to utilize in order to live healthy, productive, and safe lives. I’m thankful for the opportunity to provide students in need with help as they journey through this exciting time in their lives! |
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