Counselors' Corner

Counselors’ Corner

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year at Oak Hill Elementary School! We are very excited about working with all of the Oak Hill students! Kimberly Gallagher (formerly Sharp) is returning to Oak Hill as our full-time counselor and will be working with first, third, fifth, and sixth grade general education. Christy Ryder is back as one of our part-time school counselors and will be working with fourth grade and sixth grade AAC on Wednesdays, Fridays, and alternating Tuesdays. Please welcome Melissa Cochrane to Oak Hill as our new part-time counselor. Melissa will be working with kindergarten and second grade on Thursdays, Fridays and alternating Tuesdays.

What are school counselors?
School counselors are helpers in the school who work with students, parents, administrators, and teachers. We address all students’ academic, personal/social, and career needs through a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors have at least a master’s degree in school counseling and have been specially trained to address the developmental needs of all students.

What do school counselors do?
School counselors talk with individual students, meet with students in small groups, teach classroom guidance lessons, hold lunch bunches, and work as a team with teachers, parents, and administrators. We also coordinate programs such as the Oakie Pal Mentoring Program, 504 Plans, Peer Mediation, and outreach programs.

How can my child meet with the counselor?
Children can request an initial visit with the counselor by using the available forms outside of the counselor’s office. Parents, teachers, and administrators can also refer students. Parents are invited to call and/or make an appointment to see us. We are happy to discuss resources and services that may help children and families.

Here are some reasons a student might want to come and talk to the school counselor:
“Some kids in my class and I had a problem at recess. Can you help us work it out?”
“I would like to get better grades on my report card and I am not sure where to start.”
“I am getting bullied at the bus stop. Can you help me?”

Here are some reasons a parent might refer their child to the school counselor:
“My child doesn't want to go to school in the morning."
"My daughter is having trouble staying organized at home and at school."
"I am about to get remarried and my child has been having difficulty adjusting to the change."

Here are some reasons teachers or administrators might refer a child to the school counselor:
"A student in my class is absent a lot."
"A particular student is new to our school and it might be helpful for him to have lunch with you and some new friends."
"I've noticed my student seems distracted and anxious lately."
"One of my students is consistently turning in homework late or not at all and I am concerned about her study skills.”

Meet the counselors…

Kimberly grew up in a military family that moved around a lot! She has lived in Germany, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada (Las Vegas), Georgia, and Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and her Graduate Degree from Valdosta State University in Georgia. Kimberly got married last December to another Hokie graduate and has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named, Beau Walker, who she adores and talks about all of the time. She enjoys going to Bethany Beach, watching college football, and working with your kids!!

Christy grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and is a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. She received her teaching degree from James Madison University and her school counseling degree from Virginia Tech. Christy and her husband are proud parents of Caroline, 4, and Craig, 2. In her free time, Christy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and playing volleyball in her neighborhood league. She is looking forward to another exciting year at Oak Hill!

Melissa is joining us from Fairfax Villa Elementary School and also grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. In fact, she and Christy grew up within miles of each other and graduated from the same high school. Melissa received her undergraduate degree from Penn State University and her school counseling degree from Marymount University. Melissa has a 2 year old daughter named Sydney and enjoys exercising and walking her dog, Kuma. She is thrilled to join the Oak Hill family!

How can I contact the counselor?

Kimberly Gallagher
703-467-3575 and kagallagher1@fcps.edu

Christy Ryder
703-467-3575 and clryder@fcps.edu

Melissa Cochrane
703-467- 3519 and mccochrane@fcps.edu

We are looking forward to a great year! Please visit our Blackboard course for more information about the school counseling program.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Gallagher, Christy Ryder, and Melissa Cochrane

Counseling Brochure