As the Upper School Counselor, my primary goal is to support the students in any way possible. This support may include setting up conferences with teachers, students, and their parents if there is an academic or social concern and meeting with students individually during their free periods or after school to discuss any emotional or interpersonal issues. Other aspects of my job as the school counselor will include giving out mental health referrals if needed and supporting the parents with concerns that they may have about their child.

My confidentiality policy is as follows: The information that I receive from students or teachers will remain confidential as long as there is no threat to the student's personal safety or well being. If any student tells me that they are going to hurt themselves, someone else, or if they report abuse or neglect, then the student and I will to talk about how to approach their parents or guardians. The students are aware that I have a broad definition of what it means to "hurt yourself" and this definition includes, drinking and driving, doing drugs, self mutilization (cutting) and various other teenage issues. In addition, I will speak with the parents or guardians if the student feels like they have a mental health issue and they want to see a therapist. I have promised the students that I will work with them to get them to a point where they feel comfortable telling their parents themselves. I am encouraging the students to see this as a partnership between themselves, their parents, and the school.

If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me or email me anytime.

Added on 3/1/10
Dealing with the loss of a child is tragic and painful. Our community has suffered the loss of a 3rd grader named Lexi Speight who passed away on Febraury 28th from cancer. If you would like resoures about how to talk with you teen about loss and grief please click here for tips. Below you will find more online resources.

• Click here to see the fact sheet "Helping Children Cope with Loss" and other useful resources from Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association).
• Very practical ideas to help children understand death, including tips about how to address memorial services, are found here.
• Excellent resources, including age-appropriate books and other materials available for purchase, are found on The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families' website. (See In particular the drop-down menus under "Help" and "Store.")

SSFS Counseling Department

Jen Cort - Counseling Department Head
Tim Croft - Lower School Counselor
Lauren Keller - Middle School Counselor
Nancy Preuss - Dorm Counselor

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