This last year has seen a lot of growth and change in the Counseling Department. SEL and College and Career became two separate departments, and SEL added a social worker to coordinate the screening, brief intervention, and referral to supportive services program. We welcomed back Alvin Lui after his paternity leave, we had a prestigious member of the SEL family featured in the yearbook, and Bella couldn’t have been more honored to be part of the team. Students and staff alike are so appreciative of what Bella brings to the department, and we are happy that she will continue to join us on Fridays as our social and emotional support animal.
Not only did we implement the Check Yourself survey as part of the SBIRT program, but we were able to take that data into account when providing supportive services and developing groups. This year we introduced a grief group and a study skills group. Next year, we will continue those two groups and add a new one, a lunch bunch, and a mindfulness group. Students can be referred to a group or they can self-select. Information and permission slips will come out early in the new school year.
Now that we are fully staffed, we are redistributing alphas across our counseling staff. The changes are as follows:
A-B is Laura Breshock
C-I is Diana Soto
J-P is Alvin Lui
Q-Z is Ralph Springer
Laura Breshock will work with all students in the St. Teresa program. Susan Tiffany will work with all International Education program students. Diana Soto is stepping down from her position as Department Chair, and she will be focusing on Forefront in Schools and the grief and mindfulness groups. We are also hoping she will be able to add some yoga sessions for our students and staff. Susan Tiffany will take over responsibilities as the Department Chair starting in the new school year.
SEL Counselor’s last day in the office before heading off to enjoy summer break is Monday, June 12. We will return to the office on Monday, August 7. Over the summer break, we will be checking our emails and voicemails once a week and returning messages that cannot wait until the beginning of the new school year. Susan Tiffany will be in the office on most Tuesdays over the summer. If you have a schedule change, please reach out to Dr. Kuzmanich and Tracy Etzkorn. If there is an urgent SEL matter that needs immediate attention, reach out to your student’s SEL counselor, Susan Tiffany, and Katie Burns.
For parents whose student just graduated from Kennedy Catholic, we wish you and your student the very best of luck as they launch into their next great adventure. For parents whose students are returning to Kennedy in the ’23-’24 school year, we look forward to welcoming you back in August. Have a great summer!
