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The Stretched CounselorRegardless of our professions, we are being asked to do more with less.
School and county resources are eroding while needs are rising. As a counselor how do you prioritize? We often try to do it all and feel stretched too thin. |
The Goal
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The initial goal of this site was to offer support to fellow K-12 counselors-- especially those in remote, rural areas where resources are sparse and so is collaboration (unless you count "department meetings" alone in the car on the drive home). Those resources are still available on the site. Click here for link.
The continuing goal is to provide mental and emotional support by promoting selfcare for the whole self-- mind, body, and spirit. There is no hero on the horizon to save us from the stressors that are out there, each of us needs to consciously choose to take care of ourselves. |
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About me
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I was the 4K-12 school counselor in a small, rural school for 27 years. The first year I wondered what kind of masochist would stay, then learned it was the place I was meant to be. I attended UW Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin for a BS in Human Development and Family Life, and received a MSEd in Counseling from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. I have been learning from students, parents, and fellow professionals ever since.
I have a strong interest in mental health issues, and speak on educator stress and mental health whenever given the chance. I am a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid, both Adult and Youth, and have a certification in Adolescent Mental Health from UW Eau Claire. Proudest professional moment: bringing mental health services to rural school districts through telehealth. The SBMH Grant awarded in 2019 allowed us to partner with Prevea Health and be the first district in the State of Wisconsin to create a telehealth model for schools. I was awarded the 2017 Wisconsin Special Services Teacher of the Year. It has been a great opportunity to work with amazing educators across the State. I served on the Wisconsin Professional Standards Council, 2017-2020, and was co-facilitator of the Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Council, 2018-20. I am a proud member of WEAC. Barb VanDoorn, 4K-12 School Counselor- Retired |