Counseling

Counseling at Bandelier

Hello Students, Parents, and Staff,

My goal as Bandelier’s School Counselor is to promote the well-being of students, their families, and the community. I have a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling. I am delighted to be a part of Bandelier’s school community and look forward to working with and getting to know all of the wonderful students, parents, and staff who are working together in creating a positive and supportive school climate.

According to ASCA (American School Counselor Association), professional school counselors are certified/licensed educators with a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling and are uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students through a data-driven, comprehensive school counseling program addressing the academic, career and personal/social development of all students. Professional school counselors are employed in elementary schools and serve a vital role in maximizing student success.

What That Means in Our School

The School Counselor at Bandelier Elementary is:

• Proactive in helping ensure that each student at Bandelier receives counseling support to achieve academic and social success.
• Advocates for tolerance and equity in the opportunity for education for all students.
• Educators: Teaching children positive socio-emotional skills.
• Teachers: Promoting the development of executive functioning abilities so that students can actively participate in their own academic and social success.
• Listeners: We meet confidentially with students, teachers, and parents.
• Contacts for parents needing additional support with community resources.
• A part of the APS Health and Wellness Team is designed for students who need extra support to be more successful.

What is Offered

Individual/responsive counseling (1-3 sessions)

• "Therapy" is not provided. 
• Individual counseling is offered on a short-term basis (usually 1-3 sessions). If a student needs additional support, the counselor may provide families with a referral list for community resources.

Small group counseling

• Groups will focus on enhancing executive functioning skills, improving "expected" behavior skills, study skills, motivation, attendance, and prosocial skills.

Classroom Guidance Lessons

• Age-appropriate lessons are provided in every class, K-5. Lessons may include personal safety, prosocial skills, conflict management, growth mindset/resiliency, mindfulness/self-awareness, anti-bullying education, transition to middle school, and other applicable topics in the following categories: 
• Academic Development
• Personal/Social Development
• Career Development

Consultation and partnership with parents and staff.

Any student and/or parent is welcome to come by the counseling room for a visit. Students, parents, or guardians may request a referral to on-site, contracted, therapeutic counseling services or therapeutic, counseling services within the community. 

Contacts

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Erin Day-Chesley, MA, LPSC, (505) 255-8744, ext. 27417, erin.day-chesley@gmail.com