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School Counseling Program Mission
The mission of the School Counseling Program at St. Michael’s School is to deliver comprehensive, data-informed counseling initiatives that empower all students, regardless of background or belief, to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Rooted in the School’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and the development of mind, body, and spirit, and in partnership with faculty, families, and the broader community, the counseling program fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student is equipped to lead a life of meaning and purpose.
School Counseling Vision
The school counseling program at St. Michael’s School envisions a compassionate and inclusive school community where every student grows into a confident, resilient, and empathetic individual who is equipped with the academic skills, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness needed to succeed in high school, explore future college and career opportunities, and lead purposeful, balanced lives contributing positively to the broader community.
The program’s mission and vision are guided by the school’s core values—Balance in Mind, Body, and Spirit; Community; Diversity and Inclusion; Excellence; and Integrity—as well as the ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success, which outlines the academic, social-emotional skills and attitudes students should demonstrate to succeed academically, achieve college and career readiness, and thrive both socially and emotionally.
Meet the Counselor
Hello! I’m so excited to be continuing my role as the School Counselor at St. Michael’s and to be part of this amazing community.
A little about me, I’m proud to be a St. Michael’s alumna and feel incredibly grateful to return to the school that helped shape who I am. I grew up here in Tucson and earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. After graduation, I moved to Berkeley, California to pursue my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.
While in California, I had the honor of working with youth in schools throughout East and West Oakland, as well as with individuals and families navigating grief and loss. These meaningful experiences strengthened my commitment to supporting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of all students.
Outside of school, I’m a proud mom to an energetic 7-year-old who keeps me on my toes, and a sweet kitty named Kava. I love to hike, kayak, dance, and spend time with my incredible family.
I’m thrilled to be back at St. Michael’s. I look forward to working with all of you and supporting our students as they grow and thrive!
If you are a current St. Michael’s family and believe your child may benefit from a specific school counseling service, please complete the following referral form.
School Counseling Services
Role of School Counselor
The role of the school counselor is to work in tandem with teachers and the administration team in improving and maximizing student success by helping ALL students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and learn healthy interpersonal skills.
Counseling Topics Include:
- Bullying Prevention
- Emotion Regulation
- Grief and Loss Support
- Managing and Maintaining Healthy Friendships
- Organizational/Study Skills
- Practicing Healthy Conflict Resolution Skills
- Practicing Healthy Decision Making Strategies
- Self Confidence Building
Counseling Services Offered:
- Crisis Intervention Support
- Class Guidance Lessons (Utilized/inspired by The Responsive Counselor, Second Step, & Social Institute)
- Small Groups (Parent Permission is required for students to participate)
- Short-Term Individual Counseling (2-4 appointments/check-ins)
- Brief Student Check-Ins (Short, informal meetings designed to provide quick support, monitor progress, or address immediate concerns).
When is the school counselor available?
The School Counselor is available Monday-Friday by appointment only. Please contact the School Counselor directly through the contact link provided above.
Does the school counselor provide therapy?
No. School counselors are highly trained, but we are not able to diagnose or treat mental illness as a therapist would in a private practice or outside agency. If a student needs long-term, intensive services, school counselors can offer families a referral to a therapeutic community who can help.
Is a school counselor’s work confidential?
Yes, the school counselor builds rapport and trust with students by keeping the information they share confidential. However, there are exceptions…
The school counselor is required by law to share information with others regarding students when:
- Presented with information about a someone hurting themselves or another person
- There is reasonable belief that a minor is or has been the victim of physical injury, abuse, child abuse, a reportable offense or neglect within the meaning of A.R.S.§13-3620.
- There is a reported threat to School safety and security
- If counseling records are court-ordered
- If the school counselor needs to consult with other professionals, such as colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel, in support of the student.
The school counselor will inform the student when sharing information with others.
Will I be notified when my child sees the counselor?
Our school counselor is here to support students with common developmental needs like friendship challenges, managing emotions, and resolving conflicts. Many students choose to meet with the counselor, and during these visits, we focus on hands-on learning through modeling and practice to help students build life skills they can use every day.
To build trust and ensure students feel safe seeking help, these conversations are kept confidential. Parents are not automatically notified when a student meets with the counselor.
However, if a student shares something that suggests they may harm themselves or others, we are required to break confidentiality and contact parents or guardians. Likewise, if an issue continues over time, we may reach out to involve families in creating a positive support plan.
Our goal is always to help students learn, grow, and make healthy choices in a safe and supportive environment.
Social Emotional Learning Spotlights
Walk a Mile in My Shoes: A Collaborative Art & SEL Project
At St. Michael’s, we are always seeking meaningful ways to help students grow not only as learners, but as compassionate members of our community. Our recent “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” project offered students an opportunity to reflect, create, and understand one...