It’s National School Counseling Week! We’re celebrating our CPSD school counselors by giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Four Heroes Elementary School counselor Jeanette Mikita and Harrison Preparatory School (HP) counselor Chad Ramos.

Jeanette has been a CPSD counselor for 15 years and has worked at Four Heroes since its opening 11 years ago. “It’s been amazing to see this school grow,” she said. “We’ve invested in connections with students to make sure all students feel trust with the adults that work here and guide them.”

Jeanette plays a major hand in helping students and teachers navigate social emotional health to support their academic success. “My goal as a school counselor is to connect, be a trusted adult for students and make sure they are emotionally ready to be in the classroom and be great learners,” she said. 

Jeanette supports students individually, in small groups and by connecting with them throughout the day at morning drop-offs, lunches and during class lessons. “Being present when somebody is in need and helping to get them to a better place is the most rewarding feeling for me,” she said.

One of the topics Jeanette plans to work with students on this year is social media. “I think this area is something that parents, teachers and myself as a counselor have to work together to navigate and understand how this digital world is impacting our students,” she said. “It’s important we adapt to change and make sure our kids have the tools to navigate it.”

Chad joined HP 10 years ago and has 20 years of experience as a school counselor. “Back in high school, I had a school counselor that I appreciated who was very supportive,” he said. “I always knew I wanted to work in psychology and help people, and I think that experience led me toward working in schools.”

Chad works on “all things kids,” and finds the connections he builds with students bring new life to each day. “I provide counseling support, academic guidance, crisis intervention and community resources to students while I collaborate with educators,” he said. “I try to help these kids navigate school today and give them the tools to pursue college and career plans in the future.”

Chad primarily works with high school students while counselor Jennifer Salstrom works with middle schoolers. He is grateful for her support, as well as the additional counseling services available to HP students. “I feel really lucky to be in one of the schools that has a counselor from Greater Lakes Counseling and a Military Family Life counselor available to students,” he said. “That onsite support system is vital for these kids.”

Above all, Chad feels the greatest sense of reward when he can be of use to students and families in need. “It feels fantastic to be able to support them and see their growth over time,” he said. “I enjoy helping them develop independence, resilience and self-advocacy skills that guide them in high school and beyond.”

For National School Counseling Week, Jeanette and Chad hope people reflect on the importance of mental health and that their fellow school counselors feel celebrated for their dedication to a role that is very rewarding while requiring extensive work and care.

Go Counselors!