School Counsellor Co- Moderators

We want to get to know you better … add to our flipgrid the password is scchat20182019

Look for some exciting information about them here! SCCHAT is an International School Counsellor , School Counsellor Educator Chat and those that are interested in the field of School Counselling . It runs the first Wed. of the month from Sept. - June 6:30 MY 8:30 ET on twitter ALL WELCOME!

Where do you live?

London, Ohio

What brings you joy?

My wife and son. Making a difference in the lives of my students and colleagues

What do you want your students to know? I am here for you no matter what. We can get through anything together.

Where did you go to University?

Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio)

What is your favorite quote?

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

What message do you want to share?

I cannot wait to learn, share and grow alongside some amazing counselors this year!!

Where do you live?

Chapel Hill, NC

What brings you joy?

I am a voracious reader

What do you want your students to know?

I want students to know that they can meet life’s challenges through skill and support

Where did you go to University?

Undergrad- Furman University, Greenville, SC Grad- UNC, Chapel Hill, NC

What is your favorite quote?

Do or do not, there is no try. ~Yoda

What message do you want to share?

School Counseling has an unique role in proactively supporting students in academics, career, and social emotional domains while responding to their acute needs. By creating a plan for your program, you can maximize your effectiveness so that all students are successful.

Where do you live?

Biddeford, Maine is where I work

What brings you joy?

My three children and husband, running, the ocean, taking too many pictures, chocolate every day, reading books on CD, honest middle schoolers, Tweeting and Instagram, blogging.

What do you want your students to know?

You are OK being who you are, being yourself. I accept and celebrate you- gay, transgender, black or brown or white, from a tough family, from another country, using substances, failing classes, skipping or making mistakes. I won’t judge, I’ll help. I’m here for you, I will always accept you, listen and be there. It gets better, I promise.

Where did you go to University?

University of Maine in Orono

What is your favorite quote?

Be the change you wish to see in the world by Ghandi

What message do you want to share?

Speak up. Write, share pictures, follow and connect. Share what’s in your heart, what makes your job special, what may help others feel less alone. Speak your truth, share your ideas, listen and empathize. Don’t settle. Trust your gut. But please, speak... don’t be still, don’t be silent. We need more kind yet honest, sincere yet straightforward change makers in this world, in our communities, in every school, for our children. Lead in your own way, but speak up. You are worth listening to. Using your voice for good is the only way to lead our youth, to shine a light for them to follow so they may also lead.

Where do you live?

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What brings you joy?

So many things! Being social, friends, wine, spending time with family, hiking, counselling (have an amazing team to brainstorm, laugh, and work with), travelling, connecting with students, learning, trying new things . . . ..

What do you want your students to know?

I want students to know that everyone -- from the most popular students to successful adults - have all had struggles throughout their lives, and not everyone or everything is at it seems. We all tend to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. As well, I want students to know that accessing support or help should be considered a strength, and not a weakness; that we all learn from each other; and that there is always a solution or steps to move towards one.

Where did you go to University?

Bachelor of Education: University of Saskatchewan

Masters of Education in School Counselling University of West Alabama

What is your favorite quote?

You cannot change others, but you can change yourself.

What message do you want to share?

LIsten, support, access help for others and yourself, and take breaks. Counselling is so difficult yet so rewarding, draining and energizing. Empower your students, and your peers -- it's amazing what happens when students/colleagues feel supported and valued. Lastly -- love yourself, and look for the positives in people and life -- it will make your journey so much more fun.

Where do you live?

Monmouth Junction, NJ

What brings you joy?

Creating a platform to elevate the voices and stories of stories of others.

What do you want your students to know?

“Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Already Taken.” - Oscar Wilde

Where did you go to University?

• University of Pennsylvania, M.S.Ed., Psychological Services; School Counseling Cert.

• Rider University, MA, Organizational Leadership
  The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), M.Ed., Instruction

• William Paterson University, BA English, Education. Honors in Humanities, Supervisor and Director of Guidance Cert.

What is your favorite quote?

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt

What message do you want to share?
The ASCA Ethical Standards speak to our mission: “School counselors are advocates, leaders, collaborators and consultants who create systemic change by providing equitable educational access ...School counselors demonstrate their belief that all students have the ability to learn by advocating for an education system that provides optimal learning environments for all students...School counselors as social-justice advocates support students from all backgrounds and circumstances.”

Where do you live?

Belton, Texas, Bell County, USA

What brings you joy?

Family, learning new stuff and traveling to Disney World. Started my own daily counseling podcast this summer and enjoying sharing my voice with a wider audience.

What do you want your students to know?

Students have the ability to solve many of their own issues. My job is to give them the framework to work through their issues and to model 21st century skills.

Where did you go to University?

My BS from Sam Houston State University (1985)

MS from Texas A&M Central Texas (2006)

What is your favorite quote?

Life never stops. Always strive to a bit better each day.

What message do you want to share?

Counselors today are in a unique situation to impact lives, but we must be able to adapt to a changing environment. We can be the bridge between childhood and adulthood, students and teachers and teachers and administrators. We must be digitally-active, aware and use all the tools at our disposal to reach out population.

Where do you live?

Allentown, PA

What brings you joy?

Family - including my nieces and nephews, visiting with friends, my dog Izzy, working in my garden, the beach, sitting on my deck relaxing and reading, helping others, creating materials, taking photos, taking walks

What do you want your students to know?

I want them to know that they matter, that I see them, I hear them and I’m proud of them. I want them to know that they have the ability to make good choices and problem solve, that they have the ability to be kind and inclusive of all others, and that they have a voice that is strong and meaningful. I want them to know that the future is theirs, with hard work, motivation, and determination.

Where did you go to University?

BA - Rutgers University , M.Ed - Kutztown University,PhD - University of Nebraska - Lincoln

What is your favorite quote?

When you start to feel

like things should have

been better this year,

remember the mountains and valleys

that got you here.

They are not accidents

and those moments weren’t in vain.

You are not the same.

You have grown and are growing.

You are breathing, you are living.

You are wrapped in

endless

boundless

grace.

And things will get better.

There is more to you than yesterday.

Morgan Harper Nichols

What message do you want to share?

The effects we, as school counselors, have on others is indefinite and we may never know how much of a difference we are making. We will never know how far reaching our care, our support, our smile, or listening ears, our kind (and sometimes firm) words, and our interventions go. A lot happens behind the scenes that many in our school building are unaware of - as we go above and beyond for our students, families, and staff. Our role is stressful, exhausting, infuriating...but, when those signs of hope pop-up (and there are many), we quickly realize and remind ourselves of why we do what we do! We are in a unique profession that allows us to work with all in our school and many in our community, to be creative, to be innovative, as well as, to be an influential leader….always trying to reflect and improve on what was done before.

Where do you live?

St. Louis, Missouri

What brings you joy?

First and foremost my Lord, Jesus Christ… more joy and grace than I deserve. Secondly, my husband, family, and friends bring the smiles and laughter on a daily basis. I am also filled with excitement as we are growing our family this year; our first baby is due in December of 2018!

I am also absolutely filled with joy in what I do as a school counselor. I love working with students each and every day bring excitement, enthusiasm, creativity, and laughter each day as they continue on their learning adventures!

What do you want your students to know?

I want my students to know that they are worthy… that they matter… and that they are treasures! I want my students to know that confidence doesn’t come in a fancy box or a wallet full of dough- that it comes in knowing and loving ourselves as we strive to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. I want my students to know they are LOVED and that they are IMPORTANT and are going to move mountains!

Where did you go to University?

University of Missouri-Columbia (Bachelors Elementary Education) Lindenwood University (Master’s School Counseling)

What is your favorite quote?

Embrace the day!

What message do you want to share?

I want to share that every student deserve the opportunity to SHINE. We as school counselors have such an amazing role in our student’s lives to make positive and lasting impressions. May we never forget this- especially through the tough days and the tough times…. WE matter and we make a difference!

Where do you live?

Lynchburg, Virginia

What brings you joy?

My daughter, quality time with my husband, sitting on my parents’ porch, music, football (Go Philadelphia Eagles!), tech tools & apps, and autumn.

What do you want your students to know?

They can break the cycle.

Where did you go to University?

Undergrad and graduate school: Lynchburg College (Lynchburg, Virginia)

What is your favorite quote? “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -- Dr. Maya Angelou

What message do you want to share?

School counselors are highly qualified leaders, agents of change, collaborators, and educators.

Where do you live?

Wyoming, Michigan

What brings you joy?

Spending time with my husband and our dog.

What do you want your students to know?

That there is always help out there for them and they should not be afraid to ask for it!

Where did you go to University?

Bachelors of General Studies, Minor in Human Services-Columbia College
Masters in School Counseling-Grand Valley State University (April 2019)

What is your favorite quote?

"If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals"-Sirius Black

What message do you want to share?

Sometimes life is tough and your path may not be what you had planned, but enjoy the journey and take each lesson as it comes.

Where do you live?

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

What brings you joy?

My children, my husband, and my faith bring me joy.

What do you want your students to know?

That I am their biggest advocate!

Where did you go to University?

Concordia University-Nebraska-undergrad, Concordia University-Wisconsin-Graduate

What is your favorite quote?

“I’ve come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized.”-Haim Ginott

What message do you want to share?

Aristotle once said that ‘in order to educate the mind, we must first educate the heart.’ I am a firm believer in relationships first, business second. As counselors it is our job to make sure students feel safe and supported.

Where do you live?

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What brings you joy?

I love my children, puppy, connecting with students, yoga and Bollywood dancing.

What do you want your students to know?

They are not alone. They will have someone who values their story and is willing to listen.

Where did you go to University?

My BEd was in Special Education from the University of Calgary. My MC (Masters in Counselling Psychology) came from Campus Alberta.

What is your favorite quote?

Never stop learning because life never stops teaching!

What message do you want to share?

I love collaboration and being a member of a community. I value every interaction I have with others as I am always picking up a new gem or perspective on life.

Where do you live?

McDonough, Ga

What brings you joy?

My family, my faith, relationships, working out, and COFFEE!

What do you want your students to know?

Students matter! All you need is one supportive adult to help you change your destiny!

Where did you go to University?

Georgia Southern University and Walden University

What is your favorite quote?

“I Disapprove of What You Say, But I Will Defend to the Death Your Right to Say It.” Voltaire

What message do you want to share?

School counselors are truly the heart of the school and have the ability to make a difference in the lives of students. Our actions don’t have to be big to make this change. Just taking the time to greet a student warmly in the hall, checking in with a student in a short impromptu meeting, providing a quick snack to a student who missed breakfast, or attending a event in support of a student can make a HUGE impact on students for the better. All students need is just one champion...so

Where do you live?

Harris County, GA

What brings you joy?

Spending time with my family. Being outdoors.

What do you want your students to know?

They can accomplish great things

Where did you go to University?

South Carolina State University, Columbus State University

What is your favorite quote?

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act but a habit. Aristotle

What message do you want to share?

Children deserve our very best. They did not ask to be here.

Where do you live?

I live in Alexandria, Virginia just outside of Washington, D.C.

What brings you joy?

Many things bring me joy, and in fact Joy is my middle name! I’m definitely a social being and feel a spark when I have positive interactions with friends and family. Feeling connected to people brings me immense joy. My husband, Kevin along with our two fun-loving Australian Shepherds bring great joy to my life. I love serendipitous moments, cooking, reading, and exploring new places. Being active through running, yoga, or nature walks is where I feel at peace and also experience many moments of joy.

What do you want your students to know?

I would like for all my students to know that I care about them deeply, believe in them fully, hear them, and try my best to understand them and their unique experience so they can be the best versions of themselves.

Where did you go to University?

Master’s of Education (School Counseling): Old Dominion University

Bachelor of Science: James Madison University

What is your favorite quote?

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

What message do you want to share?

As a school counselor, I believe we have so much potential to shape lives and help children understand that they are worthy and important, can be resilience in the face of adversity, and go on to become who they wish to be regardless of their past. School counselors are much like farmers planting seeds. We are there to help students and their families weather the storm, cultivate a positive environment, and provide guidance so our students can flourish. I am proud to be a school counselor and champion for kids!

Where do you live?

Fort Worth, Texas

What brings you joy?

Family, Vacations, Friends, Animals (2 labs and a cat) Movies, Of course School Counseling

What do you want your students to know?

I got their back! My door is always open, and no matter how difficult things may get, I will listen, support, and encourage all my students.

Where did you go to University?

BA-University of North Texas; MA-Texas Wesleyan University

What is your favorite quote?

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. Amy Poehler

What message do you want to share?

Always go above and beyond. Be innovative. Be a leader because school counselors have so much to offer. Always, always be an advocate for kids!

Where do you live?

Lawrenceville, Georgia

What brings you joy?

Family, friends, books, cute furry animals, my students, school counseling

What do you want your students to know?

I love them. I believe in them. They matter. They belong. Greatness is within them all.

Where did you go to University?

University of Georgia (3 times!)

What is your favorite quote?

“Somehow we've come to believe that greatness is only for the chosen few, for the superstars.The truth is, greatness is for us all. This is not about lowering expectations; it's about raising them for every last one of us. Greatness is not in one special place, and it's not in one special person. Greatness is wherever somebody is trying to find it.” ~ Nike Ad

What message do you want to share?

I believe in the power of connections. Connecting with students by giving them voice, understanding their experiences and perspectives and building authentic relationships is the foundation for connecting students to their education, being able to appropriately advocate for them, and creating spaces where students feel they belong and feel empowered in their educational journey.

Where do you live?

I currently live in Covington, GA but I work in Stockbridge, GA

What brings you joy?

Spending time with my family, advocating for my daughter with special medical needs, sharing my love of tech tools with others, watching T.V. and relaxing.

What do you want your students to know?

Students need to know they they can get through anything. Lean on your allies and those people in your life that uplift you to help you through difficult times. Hopefully, I am one of those people!

Where did you go to University?

Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA

What is your favorite quote?

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

What message do you want to share?

Parents bring you their very best and it’s our job to show them our best.

Where do you live?

Lincoln, NE, USA

What brings you joy?

Sharing the pure joy of children and how they experience the world.

What do you want your students to know?

I accept them just as they are, I’m here to help, and am always willing to listen.

Where did you go to University?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Wayne State College, Wayne, NE

What is your favorite quote?

“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” - Fred Rogers

What message do you want to share?

We’re all connected. You (school counselors) make a difference. Take care of yourself.

Where do you live?

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What brings you joy?

Friendships, family , helping others, the beach, Cape Breton, playing lacrosse, dancing and singing, everything about Psychology and School Counselling.

What do you want your students to know?

That their life is important. That they truly matter and have a purpose in this world. I want them to find hope and happiness and know that no matter what they have been through, there are people in the world that truly care and are willing to help.

Where did you go to University?

Mount Saint Vincent University , Gonzaga University for graduate school , but I have also attended City University, Athabasca University and the University of Calgary

What is your favorite quote?

The smallest good deed is better that the grandest good intention. J Burroughs

What message do you want to share?

School Counsellors do their very best every day to make a difference in the lives of students. Often they cannot share what they actually do because of confidentiality, but be assured they are doing their best to save the lives of children and help other children to make the best life they can no matter what their circumstances are. School Counsellors are often unsung heroes having to deal with the joy of helping students graduate and sometimes the extreme sadness that comes with working with at risk populations. I want others to know that School Counsellors often go above and beyond the call of duty to not only help students , but to reach out to their colleagues who are working to help students each and every day in as many ways as possible.

Where do you live?

Battle Creek, Michigan

What brings you joy?

Exposing my kids to new and exciting life experiences. I absolutely love seeing their faces when they visit a new state, try a roller coaster ride, experience a new culture, learn a new sport or activity, taste a new food, and all of the other cool things that come with introducing children to the unknown world around them. Being a parent, I have come to realize that experiencing each of these things on your own is pretty exciting, but having the opportunity to share that with your family is absolutely priceless!

What do you want your students to know?

Their limits are only defined by themselves and they should never let their mistakes define who they are. Instead they should use their mistakes to learn, grow and use as ammunition to blast past the limits themselves or others have placed upon them. We are relying on our present students to be the voice of our future, so what they say and think now - matters to all of us!

Where did you go to University?

Master’s of Education (School Counseling): Spring Arbor University

Bachelor of Education: Central Michigan University

What is your favorite quote?

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

Also - not a quote - but two crucial words I always keep in mind: Strength and Integrity. Everything I do, I try to do with Strength and Integrity!

What message do you want to share?

As school counselors, we MUST become strong advocates and leaders for our profession and - more importantly - our students. The work we do with students is too valuable for people not to understand or support, so it is up to us to make sure we become proactive in advocating for the success of our students. In regards to supporting our students in the areas of academics, social-emotional and career development - we have to remind ourselves - if it is not us in this role, then who will be there to support our students in all of the areas in which they so desperately need the support to become successful, contributing members of our society? Be proud as school counselors and show the world the strong advocates and leaders we are capable of being!

Where do you live?

Wethersfield, CT

What brings you joy?

I honestly get the most joy from watching my students grow from freshman year to senior year. I love telling them how much they grew and giving them lots of positive messages. Seeing students faces change when you tell them that they are good is so fulfilling.

On a personal level, I am a SPIN instructor and I love when those students reach their fitness goals. Nothing is better than someone say that they are taking less medication and feeling great. I get a lot of peace from my yoga practice and joy from my family.

What do you want your students to know?

I want students to know that they belong in spaces where they feel uncomfortable and that no one should make them feel like they don’t belong. I want students to use their voice and presence to make a difference and do more than just exist in this world. While they use their voice, I want them to know that I’m right there next to them.

Also, I want them to know that this too shall pass. Hard times are not permanent and being uncomfortable will make you strong and resilient.

Where did you go to University?

BGS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Eastern CT State University

M.Ed. in School Counseling

Current PhD Student at University of CT studying Counselor Education

What is your favorite quote?

“I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. -Maya Angelou

What message do you want to share?

School Counselors are in a unique position to be change agents and leaders in the movement towards more equitable schools. We must be continuous learners and advocates for our students, our families, and our field.