Counseling (6-8)

 

Middle Division Guidance and Counseling Department (grades 6-8)

Middle School is the transition into high school, college and the world of work as students begin separating from parents and exploring and defining their independence. Students are deciding who they are, what they do well, and what they will do when they graduate. During these adolescent years, students are evaluating their strengths, skills and abilities. The biggest influence is their peer group. They are searching for a place to belong and rely on peer acceptance and feedback. They face increased pressures regarding risk behaviors while exploring the boundaries of more acceptable behavior and mature, meaningful relationships.

Students need guidance in making concrete and complex decisions. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

Together, we are an important part of an excellent school. I invite all students and parents to get fully involved in the academic and extracurricular aspects of Notre Dame Marist Academy - Middle Division. Be a contributing member of the school community and always strive for personal excellence.

Services

    • Academic skills support
    • Organizational, study and test-taking skills
    • Goal setting
    • Education in understanding self and others, including strengths and weaknesses
    • Coping strategies
    • Peer relationships and effective social skills
    • Communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution
    • Substance abuse education
    • Multicultural/diversity awareness
    • After school “Structured Study for Success” (SSS) program
    • “Teaching Tolerance” (anti-bullying) program
    • Individual interviews with each new student
    • Individual and small group counseling
    • Individual/family/ school crisis intervention
    • Tutorial resources and referrals
    • Collaboration with parents and staff

Counselor

Kim Anne-Hashoian Smith
MA, LPC, NCC
kimsmith@ndpma.org
(248) 373-5371
Kim has a BA in Math Education and taught/tutored math for 10 years. She is a certified/licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) making her uniquely qualified to address all students’ academic, personal, emotional, social and career-development needs. Professional school counselors are trained in both education and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and students in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas that need improvement. School counselors provide services to all students.

"My practice is dedicated to helping students identify and enhance their unique potential with emphasis on social, emotional and academic development. Approaches explored include problem-solving techniques, healthy decision-making skills, and cognitive and behavioral plans for taking control of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. My passion and talent is connecting with students using a blend of both encouragement and accountability. I help students develop resilience, motivation, self-esteem, decision-making skills so that they learn to grow into healthy, successful adults.

"I look forward to working with all of you!"