School Counseling Program
Professional School Counselor: Beth Mertens, M.A.Ed., NCC
Email: stscounselor@sainttimothyschool.org
Web Site: http://teacherweb.com/VA/StTimothySchool/STSCounselor/
Statement of Philosophy
In the STS Counseling Program, we believe:
- All students deserve to be treated with respect, compassion and understanding.
- All students deserve a safe, nurturing, and dynamic environment in which to learn
- All students deserve the opportunity share their talents and succeed at their developmental level.
- All students are capable of achievement.
The goals of our counseling program include:
- Address the students’ social and emotional needs and foster student success with individual and group counseling sessions, behavioral interventions, and mediations.
- Teach students skills and techniques that will enable them to become independent learners, enhance their social relationships, improve their interactions with others, explore their vocational interests, and deepen their spiritual life.
- Consistently use data driven decision making to best meet the needs of our stakeholders
Mission Statement
Saint Timothy's Counseling Program's mission is to assist students with their academic, social/emotional, and vocational needs using a child-centered approach that focuses on their strengths and abilities. The program's services are designed to remove the barriers to academic achievement and promote student success. Services are available for all of St. Timothy's students, not just those with identified academic or emotional needs.
How can the Counselor Help your Child?
The school counselor can help your child with academic, social, or emotional concerns in a variety of ways. I can meet with your child individually, focusing on student strengths and identifying and practicing coping skills. To meet with the counselor, students can self-refer, or be referred by parents or teachers. In addition, I meet with groups of student in structured groups that require parental permission and focus on learning specific skills like effective study techniques, stress management, or anti-bullying strategies.
I can also meet with parents, consult with other professionals (with parental permission), and provide parents with referrals and resource information to ensure the success of each child. We will work as a team to develop and implement strategies to address the individual needs of your child.
To see the counseling program in action, please click here:
