All students have access to the counselor.  Students, teachers, staff, and parents may refer individual students to the counselor.  In addition, I visit or conference with teachers and parents regarding concerns for students.  Typical topics of discussion include but are not limited to making good choices, behavior, feelings, academic challenges and programs, personal goals, individual needs, and community resources available.  Please understand parents are not typically called after visiting with students unless the counselor or student feels the issue is such that parents need to be notified.

Your child must know and trust that what is shared with me will stay with me with the following exceptions:   (1) your child gives me permission to share information in his/her best interest; (2) if child abuse is suspected; (3) if he/she is in danger of hurting himself/herself; (4) if he/she poses a danger to others.  I may speak with the classroom teacher or other staff members about how we can help your child in the classroom and at school; however, specific information will not be shared unless you and/or your child approves.

Counseling is a relationship built on confidentiality and trust:  student trust, parent trust, and teacher trust.  It is important in the student-counselor relationship to maintain confidentiality to the extent the law allows and to recognize the rights of the parents/guardians.  As in the student-counselor relationship, the parent-counselor relationship is also based on confidentiality and information will not be shared unless the parent/guardian agrees or if any of the exceptions listed above exist.  As a parent/guardian, please trust that your child’s best interest is our priority.