What Does My Counselor Do?

  • Classroom Lessons
      
    Classroom lessons offer an opportunity to provide support to the largest number of students in the school. The school counselor presents lessons that are developmentally appropriate for students in kindergarten through fifth grades. Lessons are designed to build students' personal/social, academic, and career development. Some topics include:

    - Understanding self and others
    - Coping strategies 
    - Peer relationships
    - Problem solving
    - Academic Success
    - Conflict resolution

    Group Counseling

    In small group counseling, the counselor works with two or more students. Group discussions may be relatively unstructured or based on structured learning activities. During the group sessions, students will become involved in fun activities such as playing games, drawing, role-playing, reading books, and group discussions. Students will learn ways of getting along with others, communicating more effectively, controlling their behavior, and resolving conflict.
    Groups are offered throughout the year based on the needs of the students. Some common group topics include:

    - Anger Management
    - Social Skills
    - Study/Test Taking skills
    - Divorce
    - Grief
    - Stress
    - Self-Esteem

    Individual Counseling

    Counseling is provided on an individual basis for students whose problems or difficulties dealing with relationships, personal concerns, or normal developmental tasks are affecting their school performance. It focuses on helping students to identify problems, their causes, alternatives, and possible consequences, and to take action when appropriate.
     
    Children can be referred to the counselor by:

    - the student himself or herself
    -the parent (s) or guardians(s)
    -a teacher or/ an administrator

    Other services:
    -Advocate for ALL Students 
    -Collaborate with School Faculty and Community Agencies
    - Serve as a Resource for Parents and Teachers
    - Coordinate meetings to address Academics, Behavior, and/or Attendance 
    -Serve as a Leader on the PRIDE Committee (Olweus and PBIS)
    - Coordinate Programs such Bully Prevention Month and Random Acts of Kindness Week
    -Coordinate Career Day
    -Organize and plan parent engagement nights on a variety of topics

Meet the Counselors:

  •  
    Cedar Forest Counselors
     
    Brooke Marshall, M.S.
     
    I was born and raised in Richmond. I earned my Bachelors degree in Family and Child Development at Virginia Tech. Then, I earned my Master's degree in Counseling at Radford University. I have been a School Counselor since 2002. I have also worked as an in-home counselor with children and their families. I have experience working with a variety of students, from pre-school aged children to high school seniors.
     
    Kaitee Nicholas, M.Ed.
     
    I grew up with my family down in Virginia Beach, and I now reside in Richmond with my fiance and our two pups. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies at Randolph-Macon College, where I also played Field Hockey all four years. I then went on to pursue my Master's Degree in Counselor Education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). As a new school counselor I am excited to get to know all of the students at Cedar Forest, and bring a new perspective into our counseling program.

Helpful Links:

  • Love and Logic - Make parenting less stressful and more effective. This website has tips, articles, video clips, and much more!
     
    Parent Resource Center - Provides support, guidance, and information to all parents about any concern or problem.
     
    Behavior Charts and Chore Charts - A great way to increase the positive behaviors you want in your child.