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School Counseling

Woodland Middle School counselors provide a safe, nurturing and non-judgmental environment for students to explore social and emotional self awareness, as well as academic and career opportunities. Students’ development is supported through individual and group counseling, whole group instruction as well as consultation with school and community stakeholders. Counselors also help to coordinate programs such as orientation for new students and Career Fair. They aide with the transition to high school, provide academic support, assist with school, county and state testing. Middle school is an exciting time of growth and change and the counseling department can help parents and students adjust to the transitions that take place during these years.

Counseling Services

As a part of our comprehensive, developmental School Counseling Program at Woodland Middle School, our counselors serve our students, parents, and teachers through a wide variety of services. School Counselors promote excellence through their work in four program areas:

  • Responsive Services- personal and crisis counseling, small group counseling
  • Classroom Curriculum- classroom lessons, character education, group activities, and transition issues
  • System Support- consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, and administrators
  • Individual Planning- academic and career planning and support

Our school social worker is available to assist students and families in the district with mental health needs, subsistence needs, and connections to outside agencies in the community that provide additional support beyond the schools.

What Is STARS? STARS stands for Students Taking A Right Stand. Our mission is to help young people pursue their unlimited potential.

STARS Counselor/Information

Ms. Stewart's Role: I provide prevention and intervention services.  I work with students around anxiety, depression, anger management, bullying, substance abuse, social issues, and more.  Much of my role is similar to that of our wonderful school counselors, but a difference is that I can provide intensive and ongoing individual and group counseling for students.

Referrals: Students can be referred to STARS by teachers, principals, school counselors, the school nurse, parents, friends or self-refer.

ESAP Therapist/Information

Ms. Swann's Role: I am here part-time on Thursdays and Fridays to provide therapy services onsite at school. ESAP stands for "Enhanced Student Assistance Program." It is free, voluntary, and takes place during the school day during a non-core class. Students are usually referred to me by Ms. Stewart and the school counselors. After meeting with the student and guardian, I write up a treatment plan which combines the goals we talk about that best suit the student's needs. 

My background in marriage and family therapy, and I work with students on issues with self-esteem, peer relationships, life transitions, family conflict, depression, anxiety, grief, loss and more.

National Suicide Prevention Website  Hotline:  1-800-273-8255

 

Woodland's counseling team is shown

L-R:  Ms. Stepanic, Ms. Aaron, Ms. Bennett, Ms. Swann and Ms. Stewart

 

Counselors Available at Woodland

Deana Stepanic, 6th Grade - Class of 2031
Email Ms. Stepanic

Amanda Bennett, 7th Grade - Class of 2030
Email Ms. Bennett  

Nicole Aaron, 8th Grade - Class of 2029
Email Ms. Aaron

Anna Stewart, Students Taking A Right Stand (STARS) - all grades
Email Ms. Stewart

Mari Swann, Enhanced Student Assistance Program (ESAP) Therapist - all grades
ESAP Referral Form
Email Ms. Swann

Jan Oakes, School Social Worker
Email Ms. Oakes