With it getting towards the end of January, some students may already know their counselor and have spoken to them, whereas some may have no idea. Coming back from Christmas break is a hard thing to do mentally, emotionally, and physically. Your counselors are here to help you with all of these things in many ways. If you’re not happy with a new class they can adjust your schedule to your needs and they’re also always available to talk to you about anything. Your counselors are people you can trust and come to with any issues. Lets get to know them.

1. What’s your name, and how many years have you been a counselor/social worker?

My name is Sarah Peltier.  I have been a social worker for 18 years working in the areas of child welfare, mental health and school social work.

2. Where did you go to college and what did you get your degree in?

I earned my Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Sauk Valley Community College, Bachelor Degree in Science from Illinois State University and Masters Degree in Social work from Aurora University.

3. When did you know you wanted to become a counselor/social worker?

Initially out of college I wanted to be a juvenile probation officer.  However, when I took my first job as a foster care caseworker, I found that social work was my true calling.  I love to help others.  Adolescents are my favorite population to work with.

4. What is something you want more students to know that the counselors offer?

I want students to know that we offer a safe space to take a break, talk and vent with no strings attached.  We all have days where we need extra support or a shoulder to cry on.  It is important that students feel supported in every way and understand confidentiality will be upheld unless they or someone else is in danger.  It can be difficult to talk with others, but give it a chance, you may feel better.

5. What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is my students.  You establish a special bond when you talk, laugh, cry and even disagree together.  I look forward to seeing my students every day.  They bring a smile to my face.  I love seeing my students grow both mentally, emotionally, socially and academically.   This may be over weeks, months or years.  I have worked with some students for several years, others for several weeks.  No matter the length of time, I love to see students’ progress, celebrate their accomplishments and cheer them on to meet their goals.

1. What’s your name, and how many years have you been a counselor/social worker?

Darci Francis.  I have been a school counselor for 14 years.

2. Where did you go to college and what did you get your degree in?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English Education from Illinois State University.  I taught high school English for several years before becoming a school counselor.  I earned my Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Phoenix.

3. When did you know you wanted to become a counselor/social worker?

I knew that I wanted to get my Master’s Degree in School Counseling because I enjoyed having individual conversations with students.  I also learned through teaching that there are many different aspects of students’ lives that impact their ability to be a successful student.

4. What is something you want more students to know that the counselors offer?

School Counselors can assist students with social-emotional needs, as well as college/career readiness.  Scheduling is a portion of our job, but it is not the main focus.

5. What is your favorite part of your job?

I love my job because of the variety.  I meet with so many different students for so many different reasons.  Each day is different and challenging, and I am never bored.

1. What’s your name, and how many years have you been a counselor/social worker?

Christine Herron, 4 years

2. Where did you go to college and what did you get your degree in?

Northern Illinois University, M.S.Ed in Counseling

3. When did you know you wanted to become a counselor/social worker?

I knew I wanted to become a Counselor when I was dealing with a personal issue and I was determined to find the tools needed to help someone close to me get out of a very dark space. I was always able to connect with students who were having a challenging time so I took the steps necessary to become a School Counselor.

4. What is something you want more students to know that the counselors offer?

We are here to help with more than schedules. We are here to help students with their academic, social-emotional, and career choices.

5. What is your favorite part of your job?

Building meaningful relationships with my students and celebrating all of their accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

1. Whats your name, and how many years have you been a counselor/social worker

Jeff Gale – This is my 11th year.

2. Where did you go to college and what did you get your degree in?

UW-Platteville, undergrad was in education, masters in school counseling

3. When did you know you wanted to become a counselor/social worker?

After wrestling in college, I was hired as a college wrestling coach and greatly enjoyed the recruiting process, but often found myself recommending other schools that had better programs.  I then decided I wanted to help students navigate their difficult college decisions and ensure they were put in the best position to succeed.

4. What is something you want more student to know that the counselors offer?

Be vocal!  Come and see us, email us, let us know how we can best help.  Our world can be very busy at times so please touch base with us.

5. What is your favorite part of your job?

My job has a lot of variety, and I enjoy that no matter the situation, I get to be on the team of the student.

Mrs. Gaumer is the 4th and final counselor. Due to time constraints her responses were not able to be recorded, but she is nonetheless respected as a counselor. Gaumer is a great addition to the counseling office and is always appreciated.