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 Ethics@coloradoschoolcounselor.org.

View the ASCA Ethical Standards here.

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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 Guru

Byrdseed

Embracing the Whole Gifted Self, by Patricia Gatto-Walden

Handbook for Counselors Serving Students with Gifts and Talents, ed. by Tracy L. Cross & Jennifer Riedl Cross

Off the Charts: Asynchrony and the Gifted Child, ed. by Christine S. Neville, Michael M. Piechowski. & Stephanie S. Tolan

Bright, Talented, and Black: a Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners, by Joy Lawson Davis

Doing Poorly on Purpose: Strategies to Reverse Underachievement and Respect Student Dignity, by James R. Delisle

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Host Anna Gisetti welcomes you to a brand new podcast series called From Plains to Peaks, Counsellors Speak!

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