At Timberland the counselors play many roles, including helping students plan for life after high school and dealing with mental health needs.
The guidance department has six counselors total, four traditional counselors and two specialty counselors, each tasked to help students socially, emotionally and academically. The college and career counselor Amy Green helps prepare students for life beyond high school.
“I take care of getting transcripts sent, meeting with colleges, meeting with military [recruiters], working with administration and kids coming in… Some kids have a plan [of] exactly what they want to do, and some have no idea. We have to work through that and plan through that, and that’s really a lot of fun. I’m happy to help kids whatever they need,” Green said.
The educational support counselor, previously known as the crisis counselor, Kateryn Zoellner is also available in the case that students need someone to talk to or process with, or needs assistance in finding another source for their mental health needs.
“The first thing I do is build rapport. [When students] come in here, I’ll ask if they want to talk. If they don’t, and they just need a safe place to be in silence, I have some weighted blankets and pillows and other fidgets that they can utilize to calm. I’ll check in with them, ‘Are you ready to talk? Do you want to talk?’ And, then they start to open up, typically, and then when we start talking, I just listen. [Then,] I ask questions to see where things are. We problem solve; we come up with different strategies, and if a guardian needs to be contacted we reach out,” Zoellner said.
The counselors also use a variety of strategies to mitigate conflict between students. Part of this process involves establishing positive relationships with students before concerns arise.
“Sometimes a simple hello, good morning, a smile catches the students off guard, but that’s the kind of vibe that I want to bring to Timberland [to] let the students know that this is a fun place, a nice place. Yes, school is school, but we’re here for [them], and it’s safe,” Zoellner said.
Many students find the counselor’s atmosphere and attitudes to reflect a positive place for them to feel safe, according to sophomore LeeAnn Guyon.
“They’re always kind and helping people, and it’s very relaxing in here. They’re always willing to listen,” Guyon said. Counselors can be contacted through social media and guidance webpage. Counselors are also available for questions via email and blue den Time everyday at lunch.
