This week, we’re excited to celebrate National School Counseling Week to help bring awareness to the important role that our K-12 school counselors have as they dedicate their professional lives to care for and support our students to help them achieve school success and plan for their futures. From providing safe and supportive areas for students to receive mental health or social help, to helping students remove barriers to academic success, to providing classroom lessons, to helping kids figure out “what they want to be when they grow up,” school counselors are celebrated not only this week–but every day–for the unique work they do to support all aspects of a student’s journey through school as they help each reach their potential to become his or her best. Today, we’re proud to highlight Lorane's counselor, who is new to the district this year. Meet Mrs. Kaley Ryan:
Q: How long have you been a school counselor? How long have you worked at Exeter?
A: This is my first year as a school counselor and my first year at Exeter!
Q: Did you do anything prior to becoming a counselor? If so, what? Why did you change your career?
A: I previously worked at a Behavioral Health Outpatient Center as an Employment Specialist. I then became a NeuroLogic Specialist providing School Districts with professional development on how trauma can impact the brain. Now, I am working my dream job as a School Counselor!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
A: Getting to work with students and helping them process big emotions.
Q: What's the most challenging part of your job?
A: I wish I had more time during the day to get everything done.
Q: If you were talking to someone who knew nothing about your work, how would you complete this sentence? “People are surprised to learn that..."
A: ...I run 15 different small groups a week and meet individually with over 30 students weekly.
Q: The theme for this year’s School Counseling Week is “Better Together.” What does that mean to you?
A: "Better Together" means that the school counseling program is better together with teachers, administrators, school based mental health providers, parents and community members. When we work together, we are better able to meet the needs of our students.
Q: When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I wanted to be a WNBA player and if that didn't work out, I wanted to be a librarian 🙂
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with your student! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concern or just to say hello.