School Counseling Program at Lothian Elementary

As a professional school counselor, I deliver a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the National Standards for School Counseling. The program includes classroom, group, and individual counseling processes that develop student competencies in the academic, career, and personal/social domains. The program is developed using data that support and link the counseling program to students’ academic success. Services are delivered through classroom guidance, group, individual counseling and student planning, as well as, consultation, collaboration, and coordination. It is driven by my mission that aligns with both the AACPS mission and our school mission. It is as follows:

“My mission is to promote and enhance student learning through academic, career, and personal/social development and provide support for all students so that they can maximize their student potential and feel safe, nurtured, and respected. My hope is that by advocating for students, providing them with skills they need, and working in a partnership with educators, parents, and the community, all students will have the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible citizens, creative thinkers, and life-long learners.”

Classroom guidance is provided for all students (Pre-K - 5) across the educational, career, and personal/social domain. I am in every classroom every other week throughout the entire year. Please ask your child(ren) regularly what they have been learning in Guidance. You can also go to the Lothian Elementary School website and click on “Guidance Corner” to see strategies I teach to students to help them be successful in school.

Small group guidance and counseling is provided for some students throughout the year. Topics vary based on the needs of the students at the different grade levels.

I also provide school-related individual counseling and student planning. Students can self-refer and parents, teachers, and administrators can request that I see students. The counseling is brief-solution focused, and does not constitute therapy. I have information available to parents seeking outside therapy for their child listing psychologists, social workers, and therapists in the area.

In addition to counseling, I provide consultation and coordination services. I work with the school staff and parents, as part of a team, to assist students so they can do their best in school. I also have resources on a variety of different topics that parents may find helpful.