From Plains To Peaks, Counselors Speak

Anna Gisetti interviews Monica Bryant, an experienced elementary school counselor from Nevada. Monica shares her journey from teaching to school counseling, highlighting her leadership roles in state and national school counselor associations. She discusses her passion for making students feel seen and heard, particularly at the elementary level, and recommends diverse picture books that support social-emotional learning.Bryant emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, advocating for school counselors to say "no" and protect their mental health. She discusses overcoming challenges in educational settings by focusing on what's best for students and maintaining clear communication.The conversation explores Monica's strategies for preventing burnout, her love of travel, and her advice for new school counselors. She encourages professionals to build their programs gradually, be confident in their expertise, and remember that leadership comes in many forms. The episode offers an inspiring look into the world of school counseling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Gisetti interviews Nick Brummett, a dedicated middle school counselor from Kansas, during the 2025 American School Counselor Association conference in Long Beach. Nick shares his journey into education, inspired by the safe haven school provided during his parents’ divorce, and details his transition from teaching to counseling. He emphasizes the importance of student voice and leadership, recounting stories of students initiating positive change within their school and community. Nick discusses his involvement in state-level school counseling leadership, the value of professional connections, and the impact of mentors who encouraged him to take on leadership roles. The conversation also addresses challenges like imposter syndrome and burnout, with Nick offering practical self-care strategies such as exercise, therapy, and building supportive relationships. The episode concludes with advice for new counselors: build connections, take things one step at a time, and prioritize self-care.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gretchen Slaughter, a veteran school counselor with 21 years of experience. Slaughter shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate high school counselor, highlighting her work at Bear Creek High School in Jeffco. The conversation centers on her transformative concurrent enrollment program, which has grown from three classes to 32, providing students with free college credits and expanding educational opportunities.Slaughter discusses the importance of career longevity, advocating for teachers, and supporting students' academic and personal growth. She emphasizes the need for self-care, recognizing burnout, and finding passion within the counseling profession. Through her work, she has helped create pathways for students to access higher education, particularly for families who might have previously seen college as out of reach.The episode offers insights into the challenges and rewards of school counseling, with Slaughter's infectious enthusiasm and commitment to student success shining throughout. She provides practical advice for counselors on maintaining professional resilience, building supportive programs, and creating meaningful educational experiences for students.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ann Halcromb is a seasoned school counselor with 36 years of experience in education. She discusses the importance of administrator-counselor relationships, self-care, and professional development. Ann shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to educator and counselor, highlighting her passion for supporting students and volunteering at the Denver Zoo.The conversation explores the challenges of school counseling, emphasizing the need for open communication with administrators and regular collaborative meetings. Ann discusses her involvement with the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA), including her roles as middle school vice president and board mentor.In this episode, you will hear about finding joy, practicing self-care, and supporting fellow educators. Ann offers advice on maintaining wellness, enjoying small moments, and creating positive work environments. The episode provides insights into the rewarding yet challenging world of school counseling.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Currently serving as the Project AWARE coordinator for District 11, Maddy has been involved with the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA) since 2021. She began as an emerging leader and now chairs the PR committee, managing social media and highlighting the association's important work.Maddy discusses her creative approach to elementary school counseling, including innovative programs like "Personal Space Camp" and using heart rate watches to help students understand emotional regulation. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with administrators and prioritizing student well-being.The conversation delves into the challenges of school counseling, including managing compassion fatigue and maintaining self-care. Maddy candidly shares her own experiences with burnout and the importance of seeking help, offering advice to new counselors that their work is a marathon, not a sprint.Her recent trip to Washington, D.C. to honor school counselors of the year and her commitment to supporting students shine through in this inspiring interview.Here are some resources Maddie sent to add for her notes:IHT (Heart Rate Watches) https://ihtusa.com/Random Acts of Kindness https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/Teacher's Encyclopedia of Behavior Management Amazon LinkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Gisetti and Vicki Helfer discuss the importance of school counseling and the challenges faced by school counselors. They highlight the significance of National School Counseling Week, which focuses on the profession rather than individual counselors. Vicki Helfer, the 2023 High School Counselor of the Year, shares her journey into school counseling, driven by her own mental health struggles and the desire to support others. She emphasizes the importance of data-driven advocacy, particularly for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and discusses her efforts to increase the number of school counselors in her building. Helfer also touches on the need for self-care to prevent burnout and the importance of staying informed and providing safe spaces for students amidst changing political climates.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Gisetti and Chris Lindsey discuss the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the importance of reflecting on one's legacy. Chris shares his journey from PR to school counseling, emphasizing the impact of administrative support and professional development. He highlights his role in removing financial barriers for students, particularly through FAFSA assistance, and the importance of community college presentations. Chris also mentions the challenges of navigating district priorities and the need for creative funding solutions. He advocates for self-care and team support to maintain well-being in the challenging field of school counseling.The Website for Federal Student Aid is here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Anna interviews Michelle Zinser, a high school counselor and co-chair of the CSCA Ethics Committee. Michelle discusses the importance of self-care and rejuvenation during school breaks, as well as her journey into education and school counseling, including her time teaching in Morocco. The conversation then focuses on the work of the CSCA Ethics Committee, which provides guidance and resources to school counselors facing ethical dilemmas. Michelle emphasizes the need for school counselors to be informed about ethics, law, and policy in order to best advocate for students, and she highlights the value of collaboration and consultation when navigating complex situations.Contact Michelle via email here.Email the Ethics Committee for questions at [email protected] the ASCA Ethical Standards here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Guinevere Husic, a school counselor, discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, particularly at the end of a school semester. She highlights the importance of rest and personal activities like video games and reading for rejuvenation. Guinevere shares her journey from teaching high school science to counseling, emphasizing the need for advocacy and data collection to secure additional counseling support for K-8 students. She explains the unique needs of gifted students, including the importance of productive struggle and SEL support. Guinevere also discusses resources for counselors working with gifted students and the benefits of being part of the Colorado School Counselor Association.Connect with Guinevere's LinkedIn here.Find out more about SCMHI here.Email Katie through the CSCA website.Resources mentioned in this episode:Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT)National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)The Gifted GuruByrdseedEmbracing the Whole Gifted Self, by Patricia Gatto-WaldenHandbook for Counselors Serving Students with Gifts and Talents, ed. by Tracy L. Cross & Jennifer Riedl CrossOff the Charts: Asynchrony and the Gifted Child, ed. by Christine S. Neville, Michael M. Piechowski. & Stephanie S. TolanBright, Talented, and Black: a Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners, by Joy Lawson DavisDoing Poorly on Purpose: Strategies to Reverse Underachievement and Respect Student Dignity, by James R. DelisleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katie Brown, a school counselor from Pueblo, Colorado, discusses her journey into education, her role as a school counselor, and her involvement with the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA). She highlights the importance of advocacy, sharing her experience as a political and community organizer. Katie emphasizes the need for school counselors to be involved in advocacy at all levels, from individual student needs to state-level legislative changes. She mentions the success of securing $2 million for counselor core grants and the efforts to reduce student-to-counselor ratios. Katie encourages school counselors to get involved in advocacy and to use resources like the Shmi survey to share their experiences.Connect with Katie's LinkedIn here. Find out more about SCMHI here.Email Katie through the CSCA website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Gisetti, a middle school counselor and assistant chair of the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA), interviews Jenn Smela, the CSCA chair. Jen shares her journey from Aurora, Colorado, to becoming a school counselor, highlighting her work with at-risk youth and her transition from high school to middle school counseling. Jenn discusses her involvement with CSCA since 2010, including her role in supporting counselors and addressing challenges like imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the importance of groundedness, realistic expectations, and peer support for both new and veteran counselors. Jenn also mentions the School Counselor Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI) survey to gather insights from counselors across Colorado.Connect with Jenn's LinkedIn. Find out more about SCMHI here.Email Jenn through the CSCA website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the inaugural episode of the Colorado School Counselor Association's podcast, host Anna Gisseti interviews Matthew McClain, the Executive Director. McClain shares his journey from psychology to school counseling, emphasizing his passion for serving all students. He discusses the current challenge of a shortage of school counselors, with many districts having open positions. McClain outlines the various committees within the association, including advocacy, professional development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages involvement. He also highlights a data collection project with the School Counselor Mental Health Initiative to better understand school counselors' needs and improve support.Connect with Matthew via his LinkedIn Page.Email Matthew directly through the CSCA website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Anna Gisetti welcomes you to a brand new podcast series called From Plains to Peaks, Counsellors Speak! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.