Counselor at Route 40 and Accident Elementary School
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The Elementary School Counselor works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, students, parents, and the community to provide a comprehensive and coordinated counseling program for all students. Counseling lessons are provided in the classroom and in the library setting. Classroom lessons teach social skills, safety skills, character traits, and can sometimes include circle meetings. Small groups are also conducted to provide support for grief/loss; divorce/separation; impulse control; friendship/social skills; study habits/organization. Brief individual counseling can also be used to help students and can be requested by the school staff or the child’s family.

My hope is that each child at Accident and Route 40 Elementary school feels safe and secure so that they are “Ready to Learn.” I want to support student goals and to help them achieve school success. Our character education program promotes the use of positive character traits with peers and adults in the school and home setting. Our Career Day event and NMS orientation are provided for 5th graders to help them navigate NMS and to promote career to school connections.

 

I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education in 1992 from Frostburg University. Then, in 1996, I earned a Master’s degree in K-12 School Counseling. This is my 28th year in the Garrett County School system. I have taught first, third, and fourth grades; provided reading intervention; and have also been a school counselor for over 12 years. I have served on Pupil Services Teams; IEP and Behavior Teams; School Improvement Teams; Career Day planning committees; Character Ed Committees; been involved in Parent/Teacher Conferences; Coordinated the Garrett Mentor program; made referrals to “It’s In the Bag”, Kix for Kaylee, Warm The Children, and holiday church offerrings. I have also created countless bulletin boards on topics such as: Mindfulness, Character Education traits, Social Skills, and Safety Skills.