Counseling Philosophies

1. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs are real (for the whole family!)

Students deserve to have access to full community supports with wrap-around services for students and families. If parents and guardians are struggling, students and kids are definitely struggling. If students don't have access to shelter, clothes, or food, or a loving home, their brains definitely are not primed for learning math and reading. 

2. Behavior never exists in a vacuum

Students are dynamic humans with various needs and desires. We all experience innate feelings and emotions and have functional behaviors that attain our wants and avoid our undesired tasks/activities. Behaviors and emotions must be viewed through an integrated lens.

3. Restorative communities only exist when there is accountability for behavior

Student conflict is a natural component of social interaction and collaboration. Forced apologies and time outs only exacerbate misunderstandings and reinforce student's to behave in a way that impacts the entire classroom community negatively. Apologies and time outs are helpful, restorative interventions when used appropriately. Student accountability and responsibility for behaviors must come before consequences and  restorative interventions.