From Underwater Crime Scene Investigator to School Counseling Superstar

In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Ginger Bernal for a friendly chat about her fascinating 17-year journey through the world of education. Ginger started her professional life in the unexpected waters of underwater crime scene investigation before finding her true calling in school counseling. She shares heartwarming stories, like how she helped a mother of seven go from pursuing her GED to becoming a certified nursing assistant, illustrating the life-changing impact of dedicated school counselors.Ginger dives into the nuts and bolts of working within educational systems, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and building strong relationships with school administrators. Her insights offer a wealth of knowledge on how to advocate for necessary programs and gain the support needed to make a real difference. We also get into how school counselors can maintain their professional sanity by using the right tools and systems to balance productivity with passion.Looking ahead, Ginger discusses the exciting potential of data and technology in shaping the future of school counseling. She offers practical tips on using digital tools to streamline schedules and how well-structured lesson plans can enhance student engagement. The conversation wraps up with a powerful note on the personal qualities that make school counseling both challenging and rewarding—patience, intentionality, and grace.Join us for this inspiring episode that not only highlights the profound influence of school counselors but also leaves you feeling empowered to make a lasting impact in your own sphere.**********************************Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to know more about us and our mission, feel empowered and inspired, and set yourself up for success in the wonderful world of school counseling.Hang out in our Facebook groupJump in, ask questions, share your ideas and become a part of the most empowering school counseling group on the planet! (Join us to see if we're right.)Join the School for School Counselors MastermindThe Mastermind is packed with all the things your grad program never taught you IN ADDITION TO unparalleled support and consultation. No more feeling alone, invisible, unappreciated, or like you just don't know what to do next. We've got you!Did someone share this podcast with you? Be sure to subscribe for all the new episodes!! This work is part of the School for School Counselors body of work developed by Steph Johnson, LPC, CSC, which centers role authority over role drift, consultative practice over fix-it culture, adult-designed systems and environments as primary drivers of student behavior, clinical judgment over compliance, and school counselor identity as leadership within complex systems.