The Essential Role of a School Counselor in Elementary and Middle School
School Counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self management and social skills, who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.
Direct Student Services
- Instruction – teaching the school counseling curriculum to students
- Appraisal and advisement – assessing student abilities, interests, and achievements to help them make decisions about their future
- Counseling – provide short-term individual and group counseling services to students
Indirect Student Services
- Consultation – share strategies supporting student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators, and community organizations
- Collaboration – work with other educators, parents, and the community to support student achievement
- Referrals – support for students and families to school or community resources for additional assistance and information
Examples of Topics Covered
- Academics – GPA, classes, study skills, organization, time management
- Social/Emotional Learning – self-esteem, positive self-image, friends, conflict management, family issues, bullying, harassment, drug and alcohol abuse, grief, abuse
- College and Career – college systems, exploring careers, financial aid options
Visits are Confidential
An important obligation of counselors is to maintain confidentiality with our students. This means that your records and the information received is safeguarded. The counselor is not required to disclose information that a student has shared, unless the information is necessary to protect the student from posing a serious harm to themselves or to others.
Get Help Now
Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988
Meet your School Counselor, Ms. Chabeli
Dear families,
My name is Ana Chabeli Lopez; I go by my middle name, Chabeli. I am excited and feel very honored to serve as your School Counselor at Sierra Vista!
My journey began in the Migrant Centers located in Madison, CA. As a K-12th student, I was part of the Migrant Education Program due to the fact that both of my parents are farm workers and we constantly moved. Living in the center meant that we would live here in California during the farming season and then we would travel to Michoacán, Mexico–my parents' birthplace. My schooling was very unique and I struggled a lot in school. Going to different schools and switching back and forth was hard. I am beyond thankful for my Migrant Advisor who helped pursue higher education. It is because of my experience that I believe in counseling and the impact it has on students' lives.
I graduated from Esparto High School and went on to pursue my Bachelors in Child Development and Masters in Counselor Education from Sac State. Stingers Up! During my undergraduate, I was fortunate to work as a mentor, coach, and advisor where I found my passion for counseling. Aside from work, I love to craft, read, run and explore the outdoors!
In Collaboration,
Ms. Chabeli Lopez, MS, PPS
School Counselor
Email: [email protected]
On Campus: Monday, Tuesday and Every Other Friday
“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” –Rita Pierson
