Winona Area Public SchoolsI received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1999 from UW-Stout, then a Masters in Counselor Education-School Counseling, from Winona State University in 2002. In December 2017 I completed required coursework and internship experience to earn a second Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Winona State University. Currently I have a Wisconsin and Minnesota school counseling license as well as a Professional Counselor-In Training License in the state of WI. Buffalo City, WI is where I call home, with my husband and three children. I enjoy reading, spending time with family, watching my kids play sports, and playing with our new puppy.
This is my second year in the Winona School District although I have approximately 15 years of experience as a school counselor. I love it here! It’s very beneficial to have other school counseling and social work professionals to consult with. You will find me at Goodview Elementary School Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Mondays and Thursdays I work at schools in Wisconsin providing mental health services through a private practice agency.
Some of the things I do at Goodview: Deliver weekly Classroom Counseling Lessons (based on American School Counseling Association standards) providing social and emotional learning in grades K-1, and lessons twice a month in grades 2, 3, and 4. The curriculum focuses on helping children manage emotions, self- awareness, empathy, maintaining positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. I also provide individual, small group, and responsive counseling services daily. Referrals for individual and group counseling can come from parents, teachers, the principal, or the students themselves. There is a Mailbox Note service where students can leave a note for the counselor that lets me know that they need someone to talk to. I enjoy working with children of all ages and connecting with parents and teachers in order to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students.
I am proud to be a school counselor. Every student who walks through our doors should feel welcome, understood, and know that we believe in them. I utilize empathy and focus on strengths in order to help students grow and learn and hope to continue learning myself as a school counselor for many more years.