Profile
I love being a School Counselor! I feel that I was put on this earth to help young people. I want them to believe in themselves and have the confidence to reach their goals. I want to help aid these kids, lift them up when times are tough, and fan the flicker of hope in them.
I also teach Character Education (Life Skills) to every grade level at least twice a month. Life Skills could be the most important "education" they could receive. How to interact with others, read body language, and communicate with their words face to face is becoming more of a rarity in these younger generations.
Education
*Wingate University N.C. / Union College KY. Bachelor of Arts Degree
*Lincoln Memorial University TN. Education Specialist Degree (Counseling)
Guidance
Welcome to AIS Guidance Classes! Please see the syllabus that outlines the values and topics we will be learnng about this school year.
Guidance 2022-2023 Syllabus
Classroom guidance lessons will be designed to encourage students’ academic, social/emotional and career awareness. Students will learn how to develop peer relationships, effective social skills, decision-making skills, effective communication, and explore safe and healthy choices. Students will also learn various coping strategies and ways to handle various challenges through:
Large and small group hands-on activities
Videos
Books
Role-playing
Projects
Guest Speakers
Classroom Guidance Topics
August- Intro to Guidance/ Wisdom/Bully Prevention
September- Friendship
October- Integrity / Drug/Alcohol Prevention/Decision-Making
November- Gratitude
December-Generosity
January- Responsibility
February- Kindness
March- Patience
April- Peace/Career Awareness
May- Commitment
Family Life - The SKILLS (Supporting Kids in Learning Life Safety) is provided through The McNabb Center for 3rd/5th graders. The program provides age-appropriate lessons (nothing is related to Sexual Health) on personal safety in a fun, interactive learning environment. These age-appropriate lessons focus on safety planning, trusted adult identification, successful conversation tools, safe vs. unsafe touch/secrets, etc. The SKILLS curriculum is aligned with the TN State Health Education & School Counseling & Career Guidance Standards. Your child’s counselor/teacher has reviewed this curriculum and believes the topics to be an excellent way to strengthen each child’s understanding of the safety rules he/she has already learned at home and in the classroom. Opt-out forms are provided for those who do not want their child to participate. Below is the SKILLS Program Curriculum:
Safety Planning
NO-GO-TELL: In any unsafe situation, say “NO,” “GO” away from the situation, and “TELL” a trusted adult.
Safe vs. Unsafe Touches
Three rules of a safe touch:
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Both people have to want the touch.
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Nobody’s body parts or feelings are hurt.
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There are no secrets about the touch.
Safe vs. Unsafe Secrets
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Safe secrets make you feel happy (ex: surprise birthday party).
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Unsafe secrets make you feel nervous or scared (ex. “Don’t tell the teacher that I kicked you on the
playground”).
Listening to Instincts
Instincts are the “gut feelings” we have about a situation: butterflies in the stomach, goosebumps, heart racing, etc.
Trusted Adult Identification and Reporting
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A trusted adult will see you, hear you, and help you.
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Practice getting a trusted adult’s attention in a polite way (ex: say “excuse me,” tap adult on the
shoulder, and ask for help in an assertive voice).
Identifying Feelings
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Understand how different feelings look like for different people.
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A big part of communication is being able to express what you’re feeling.
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Before you start a conversation with your friends or family, you should be able to identify your
feelings.
Assertive Communication
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Assertive communicators (elephant) stand tall, use a strong voice, and say it again.
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Identify other forms of communication (passive turtle or aggressive gorilla) and why assertive is
most useful.
Bystander Intervention
Anyone can be a helpful bystander and use NO-GO-TELL to get help from a trusted adult for a friend or classmate.
Bullying Prevention
To prevent yourself from being a bully:
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Try to have a successful conversation with the person rather than bullying.
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Remember to wait until you calm down before you react.
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If all else fails, take a deep breath and count to 10 or distract yourself with another activity. If you
are the one being bullied, then tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
Internet Safety
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Cyber predators can use your personal information to harm you.
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Do not chat with people who you don’t know.
• Do not share personal information online such as your address, phone number, habits, activities, or school information to prevent predators from collecting this information from you.
D.A.R.E Program w/ AIS SRO (Joey Beasley) - https://dare.org/d-a-r-e-elementary-school-curriculum/
Small Group Counseling- is provided through referrals from parents, teachers, counselors, or students. Sessions are held during the school day at a time the child’s teacher agrees would be best. Sessions are typically 30 mins. and parental permission is required.
Individual Counseling- is provided through referrals from parents, teachers, counselors, or students. The school counselor works one-on-one with the student to help them work through social/emotional and/or academic struggles that are negatively affecting their academic performance. Sessions are typically 30 mins. and parental permission is required.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/180HkzZRfcKMJzVJlB8LSgvztwQHJzdwTko8uNmNe--0/edit (parent permission letter for individual counseling)
For more information on what school counselors do, watch this video.
