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School Counseling

Stock art image of three children sitting together, laughing and happy

Helping Students Grow

Every child has unique strengths, interests, and challenges. As students grow, they are not only learning new academic skills, but also building friendships, developing confidence, and discovering how to navigate everyday experiences. Our school counselors partner with families, teachers, and staff to provide guidance and support that helps students build positive relationships, develop problem solving skills, and feel confident, connected, and ready to learn.

The School Counselor Can Help Students With:

  • Making and keeping friends while building positive social skills
  • Managing big feelings such as frustration, sadness, or disappointment
  • Working through conflicts and solving problems with peers
  • Coping with worries or anxiety and learning healthy coping strategies
  • Adjusting to changes at home, at school, or in daily routines
  • Building confidence by setting goals, celebrating accomplishments, and recognizing personal strengths
Headshot of Lesley Hawkins
K-3 School Counselor
Mrs. Lesley Hawkins
lhawkins@eawildcats.net
(412) 824-8012 (x3860)
 
headshot of Ms. Lyra Hartlein

4-6 School Counselor
Ms. Lyra Hartlein
lhartlein@eawildcats.net
(412) 824-8012 (x3308)

Individual Counseling

Students may meet one-on-one with the school counselor for short-term support with social, emotional, behavioral, or school-related concerns. Referrals may be made by a parent or caregiver, teacher, school staff member, or the student.

Individual counseling provides a safe, supportive space for students to talk through challenges, build confidence, and develop healthy coping and problem solving skills. While conversations are kept as private as possible, families are included whenever it is appropriate to best support the student.

School counseling provides short-term support and does not replace outside counseling or therapy. When additional services may be beneficial, families can be connected with community resources.

Small Group Counseling

Small group counseling gives students the opportunity to connect with peers while developing skills in areas such as friendship, emotional regulation, coping skills, self-confidence, and managing change. Groups are formed based on student needs, with input from families, teachers, and the school counselor.

Groups are scheduled to minimize time away from classroom instruction. While students are encouraged to respect one another's privacy, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in a group setting.