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WAVA Counselors

WAVA School Counselors are professionals who serve students K-12 with academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional support. 

The role of the school counselor is multifaceted and may vary greatly, depending on the student need.

The duties of school counselors may include: 

  • Providing instruction on psychological and social issues. 

  • Vocational guidance. Many school counselors help students prepare for college or select careers.

  • Counseling. School counselors often help students mediate conflicts with their peers, teachers, or parents. Many school counselors also provide short-term counseling services to students during school hours. 

  • Early intervention. School counselors receive training about learning support and psychological concerns that commonly manifest in children and adolescents. They may also provide referrals, recommendations, and education to parents about mental health concerns.

  • Special needs services. Counselors often help special needs students integrate into classrooms and may oversee programs that address requirements for students with special needs or learning difficulties.

Further, counselors often help students:

  • Maintain academic standards and set goals for academic success.

  • Develop skills to improve organization, study habits, and time management.

  • Work through personal problems that may affect academics or relationships.

  • Improve social skills.

  • Cope with school or community-related violence, accidents, and trauma.

  • Identify interests, strengths, and aptitudes through assessment

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WAVA Counselors are listed below

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WAVA Student Support Contacts Include:

  • Heather Bennett, Student Support Administrator, hbennett@K12.com

  • Kathy Swartz, Student Resource Coordinator, kswartz@K12.com

  • HS/MS Questions: Terry Ackerman, WAVA 6-12 Principal

  • ES Questions: Shelley Sears, WAVA Special Programs Administrator

  • ES Questions: Kala Lougheed, WAVA Assistant Principal

Check out the current WAVA Wave Newsletter and Info from our K-5 and 6-12th Grade Counseling Team each month and look for Class Connect sessions for you and your student!

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