Counselor's Corner

I was born and raised in Michigan City  and graduated from Elston High School in 1990.  My husband and I moved to Chesterton in 2005 when our kids were little. I have been a school counselor for only a short time, having been at Michigan City High School for the last 3 years. This is my first year in elementary and I absolutely love it.  I am married and have two adult children, Katelyn and Christopher. I also became a grandmother (GiGi) in May to my first grandson. He is so amazing and he keeps things entertaining. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family or just relaxing on my couch. I am obsessed with Disney as well. We became Vacation Club members and try to go at least once a year. My favorite part of being a counselor is when I get a big smile, or a hug from all the kids. It makes me feel great to know they trust me and feel safe around me.  I love seeing what they take away from lessons as well. 

I hold the following Degrees and Licenses: 

• Bachelors in Liberal Studies - Purdue North Central (Westville)  
• Masters in Human Services - Purdue Northwest (Hammond)
• Masters in School Counseling - Indiana Wesleyan University
• Licensed Indiana School Counselor

I am typically at school Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Knapp Elementary has both a School Counselor and a Student Success Coach/School Social worker.  While these titles might seem similar and are both a part of the school behavior team, we have many different responsibilities.

As the school counselor, one of my biggest responsibilities is teaching classroom counseling lessons. These lessons teach students social-emotional skills related to such topics as emotion management, empathy for others, how to stand up to disrespectful behaviors, and conflict management. We cover Bullying topics in depth every October and review throughout the year. Lessons also sometimes cover skills related to career exploration and academic skills for learning. Classroom counseling lessons occur in each classroom every week for 30 mins.

Another role of the school counselor is to evaluate data that will support our students in the areas of Academics (grades), Behavior and Attendance. Mrs. Woods supports our MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) team to create strategic interventions for students who need support in these areas. We formulate a goal for the student and track their progress frequently. The MTSS team is made up of teachers, Instructional Coaches, Success Coaches, and Principal. We all work together to come up with ideas to get our students back on track and successful in their educational careers. 

While school counselors should not be used in lieu of community counselors for more intensive counseling support,  I occasionally provide some one on one support such as 15 minute check-in's to offer some coping skills. I can also provide resources for more long-term counseling needs. Additional resources (food pantries, basic needs) is also something school counselors provide to families of our students. 

Grades K-6 follow 2nd Steps training.

These curricula will help our Knights learn important skills that will help them both academically and emotionally for the rest of their lives! 

Michiana Behavioral Health Center

Dunebrook, Inc.

Swanson Center

Suicide Prevention