Student Life

Guidance Counseling

The mission of the guidance counseling department is to assist all students in the process of personal, academic and career development so that they may reach their full potential as productive citizens in a changing society.

Our philosophy includes a comprehensive school counseling program that is predicated on the belief that all students are unique and dynamic individuals, capable of becoming responsive and productive adults. Our program is proactive and preventative in nature and is committed to meeting the needs of all students using age-appropriate programs and lessons delivered systematically by professional school counselors.

For information on our College Counseling Department and standardized testing please go to Academics and click on College Counseling.

Counselors:

Amanda Johnson, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.,  Personal Counselor
Individual and group counselor specializing in personal, behavioral and interpersonal issues.
Coordinator of the Teen Exchange seminar for sophomores presented by MOCSA.
Coordinator/Facilitator of Peer Helpers Organization
Sophomore Class Moderator

Kelly McKee, M.S.W., Academic Counselor
Academic counselor specializing in study skills, test-taking, lecture note-taking and time management strategies.
Coordinator of Starter Seminar for Freshmen
Coordinator/Facilitator of the #1 Club
Freshmen Class Moderator

Peg Marland, L.P.C., Part-time Counselor
Personal and group counselor specializing in conflict resolution, mediation and improving interpersonal relationships

 

School counselors:

  • Provide developmental guidance for students in the school to promote academic, personal/social, and career development in a proactive and preventive manner
  • Provide individual and group counseling for students and parents identified in need
  • Consult with teachers, parents, faculty, and administrators concerning student academic, personal/social and career success
  • Provide a liaison with community agencies to garner services for students and families.

Personal counseling:

  • Individual counseling for problem solving
  • Small group opportunities for students to meet for personal growth and problem solving
  • Formal group guidance program covered by counselors when visiting classes. Topics include: eating disorders, depression and suicide prevention, grief and loss, safety issues for women, adolescent development and anger management
  • Formal alcohol and drug education curriculum in grades 7-12 inclusive
  • Parent meetings on adolescent development

Seminars

Freshman Starter Seminar
An extended semester-long orientation to ease those first-year jitters!

  • Learn the history, activities and traditions of St. Teresa's Academy.
  • Find out how to get involved in clubs, traditional activities and volunteer endeavors.
  • Understand how to calculate your G.P.A.
  • Learn how to make the most of your study time.
  • Gather organizational tips from other students.
  • Meet a variety of administrators, faculty, staff and upperclassmen.
  • Discover the importance of choosing your attitude.
  • Gain knowledge of test-taking strategies.
  • Participate in a personality inventory and address learning styles.

Sophomore Teen Exchange Seminar
This seven-week seminar, sponsored by MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault), was specifically developed for the St. Teresa's Academy sophomore class. The purpose is to lessen the ill effects of sexual assault and abuse through prevention, education, intervention and advocacy.

Also included:

  • Discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships and how to recognize the differences.
  • Learn about gender stereotypes, how the media play into this, and how these stereotypes effect adolescent girls.
  • Help girls set healthy boundaries before dating and relationships begin.
  • Learn what sexual harassment is, who can be a perpetrator and what to do if it occurs.
  • Learn the facts regarding rape: in 85% of all rapes, the victim knows the perpetrator, and in 80% of all rapes, alcohol is involved. Also learn how to keep yourself safe and what to do if rape or date rape happens to you or someone you know.

Career Resources

Missouri Connections:

  • Missouri Connections is a free, web-based resource to help students determine their career interests, explore occupations, and establish education plans.
  • Take Career Information System assessments:  Learn about your career interest, values, and skills.
  • Build a portfolio:  Keep track of assessment scores, favorite clusters, occupations, colleges, resumes, and more!
  • Get started by logging on to the website, using the user name and password below:
    www.missouriconnections.org
    Username: SaintTeresas
    Password: 2viewmoc