Happy National School Counseling Week!
Happy National School Counseling Week! Saint James School is privileged to have an incredible counseling staff across all levels, Pre-K3 through 12th grade. Our fantastic counselors are an integral part of our school culture and community.
Ms. Clare Simon has been a counselor for 35 years and at Saint James School for 25. She has a masters in counseling and is a certified LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor.
Ms. Cherie Meadows, middle school counselor, is current serving in her fourth year. She became a school counselor through training as a clergy person. Ms. Meadows holds a masters degree is in Religious Education and is ordained minister.
Ms. June Garzon and Mrs. Jamie Payne make up our high school counseling team. Students have the privilege of getting to know his or her counselor all four years of high school. Ms. Garzon and Mrs. Payne learn the talents and individual strengths of their students and assist them with everything from building class schedules, coordinating college tours, and scholarship applications. Ms. Garzon has been high school counselor for four years and hold a masters in Educational Administration with a focus on Private School Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, New York, NY. Ms. Payne is in her second year as high school counselor at STJ and holds both MBA and M.Ed in School Counseling. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor.
Many of our administrators have also served in counseling roles at Saint James. Our current middle school principal, Ms. Laura Spivey, served as a counselor for fourteen years (eight in middle school and four in high school). She brings her years as counselor into her everyday role as principal. The unique experiences in the counseling office translate in many ways and provide Ms. Spivey with a special perspective as she serves the middle school. Mrs. Susan Atkins, Academic Dean, also served as counselor for the high school for many years. Likewise, our own Ms. Cathy Pearson, Dean of Admission, served as middle school counselor for 20 years and has a masters degree in counseling and human development.
Each of our counselors is dedicated to student success; strengthening our students’ physical, emotional, and mental health is paramount to Saint James School’s mission.
June Garzon and Jamie Payne, High School Counselors
Clare Simon, Elementary School Counselor
“My absolute favorite part of my job is the students! Having the privilege of watching them grow and develop is an honor and I love getting to know their families. Morning carpool always starts my day off right. Another aspect of my job that is a delight is seeing the students learn to problem-solve and create their own solutions to conflicts. I love to see them take our guidance lessons and put them to work.”
Cherie Meadows, Middle School Counselor
“My favorite thing about being a counselor at STJ is working with parents and students to help each student achieve the most optimal academic achievements, social integration, and emotional health.”
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