New Years Reflections

I hope all school counselors are doing lots of self-care over the winter vacation.  I know I have loved having time for long walks.  My life lesson of 2014 was the take away from the tragic accident at our school, which resulted in the sudden loss of a parent.  Since that day last February I have reminded myself every single day, live this day well because you don't know if you will have a tomorrow.  It really is a new mindset for someone like me who spent way too much time worrying and being anxious about tomorrow.  I did write a to do list for 2015.  It will serve to remind me of my priorities like doing more yoga, going on a trip, taking time to enjoy nature.  The job of a school counselor can become consuming.  Find ways to nourish your own spirit.  I am looking forward to getting some additional ideas from a new book I just heard about, "A search for Health, Happiness and a Full Night's Sleep."  Enjoy the rest of your well deserved break!

Tell One

One of the blogs I follow, The Counseling Geek, started this campaign to promote the benefits of belonging to ASCA and our state school counseling associations.  Read more at

tell-one-campaign.html I have only lived in 2 states during my professional career but have always been an active member of ACA and my state association.  I also belong to ASCA and VSCA. I believe all counselors should belong to ACA and ASCA and the respective state organizations.  I have served as an officer at the local, state, and national level and can honestly say, no matter how many hours you give to your professional organization you get back so much more. I encourage all counselors to join their professional organizations and take full advantage of all the benefits!

Staff Parent Book Sharing

Each year at my school the Counseling Advisory Committee selects a book for staff and parents to read and then we either do an online book discussion or a face-to-face session.  This year we are trying posts on Twitter and a evening discussion in March.  We announce to book before the holidays to give folks plenty of time to obtain a copy and read it.  Chapman and Pellicane's book was released in 2014.  It offers parents help to:

• Equip your child to be relational rich in a digital world
• Replace mindless screen time with meaningful family time
• Establish simple boundaries that make a huge difference
• Read what's working for the screen savvy family down the street
• Prepare your child to succeed down the road in relationships and life
• Learn healthy ways to occupy your child while you get things don

We Are Built To Be Kind

The Power of Empathy

Good to use with upper elementary or staff...

Bulletin Board for National Adoption Month

Adoption is often symbolized as a triangle to represent the child, birth family, and adoptive family.  Our bulletin board (constructed by my wonderful parent volunteer) shows the 3 sides joined in love.  Surrounding the board are some of my favorite books on adoption that are listed on the children's book page of this website.

Video I Use for Lesson on Perseverance