Hello! My name is Mrs. Williams, and I am one of the school counselors at Memorial Middle School. This is my first year in Woodland Park, and I am excited to get to know all of our students and their families. I am a Certified School Counselor and a Licensed Associate Counselor. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Pace University in Manhattan with a minor in Criminal Justice. Afterward, I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Felician University in Lodi. Before coming to Memorial School, I was a mental health counselor at a community agency in Elizabeth, as well as a school counselor at an elementary school in Irvington. 

     As a school counselor at Memorial Middle school, my primary responsibility is to support all students’ social, emotional, academic, career, and personal development and future success. Our district’s School Counseling philosophy is preventative and developmental. School counselors advocate, mediate, consult and collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students be successful. Our district is committed to a character education program designed to promote positive attitudes about being a student and a community member and making healthy decisions. Some of the programs we facilitate are themed weeks, such as “Start With Hello,” Week of Respect & school-wide assemblies. We are also a part of the School Climate and Culture Team (SCC), Interventional and Referral Services Committee (I&RS), and conduct classroom SEL lessons. 

      Some of the things school counselors help students with are problem-solving, self-regulation, and character development. I can meet with students individually or in small groups. Counseling can occur regularly or on an as-needed basis. Students: I can help you with problems at home, conflicts with friends, self-esteem, teach new coping skills, managing your feelings, organization skills, social skills, and classroom problems. We can help students with peer conflict mediation, self-esteem, academic concerns, social, emotional & developmental concerns, parent conferences, crisis intervention, social skills, organization skills, family transitions & much more. 

          Parents & families, we are here to help in as many ways as we can. We can help connect you and your children to outside agencies, assist with your 8th grade students' high school transition, help through family changes and consult with classroom teachers and administrators. Parents, teachers, or students can request individual or group counseling. My goal is to provide a safe space to equip students with the coping skills and confidence to grow into the best versions of themselves. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.