Simply Imperfect Counselor was made for school counselors, education bloggers, and school professionals! If you love kids, education, and mental health, you will feel right at home here. So, kick up your feet, grab that coffee and stay a while! On this site, you can expect to get up-to-date, usable information and resources related to school counseling. If you’re curious as to where to start, head over to my blog page!
Q & A Session with Jessica…
Why did you start a blog?
Honestly, I was at the point where I wanted to make a bigger impact. I feel like we are all in this together and we can learn so much from each other. I wanted a way to connect across the world and share things that have worked, not worked and things to make our lives easier. I want to encourage and support other school counselors wherever they are in their journey. This career choice is not exactly a piece of cake… having others to support and connect with can spark inspiration and make all of us feel like we are doing better each day. If we are doing this… we can make a bigger impact across the world by enriching and supporting the lives of our students. By thinking globally, together we will leave a lasting impression on more students.
What experience do you have?
Through this blog, I am speaking from more than 12 years of experience in the education field. I graduated with my Master’s in Elementary School Counseling and I am currently an elementary counselor in a rural area, within the great state of Missouri. I started my education journey as a PK Assistant then moved on to teaching 1st Grade and now in a counseling position! I love working with kids and their families.
In fact, our elementary counseling program was one of the recipients of the Gysbers Award in 2015 for our elementary school counseling program and in 2019 I won the Elementary School Counselor of the Year Award from SMSCA!
How do you balance your time?
Hands down, the biggest challenge! I do a lot at my school to advocate for my time so that I am spending it where it needs to be… with kids! I had to invest in educating others on my role at school so that they could see the importance of what I’m doing and when I need to do it. I like to have a fixed classroom counseling schedule. I know it will change from time to time, but this helps me make sure I get all the lessons taught that I need to in the year. I also like to have a set day to run small-groups. I usually do this all day on Friday, in between my individual students.
If you’re talking about my school career, having a family and running a blogging business… well, it’s all sorts of crazy! I usually hit the ground running at 5 am, grab my coffee and go!
What was your first job?
My first ever job was a deck-hand at a marina on the lake. I was 15 years old and had zero knowledge of boats! However, I enjoyed spending my mornings on the lake and getting the boats ready to go out for the day.
What characteristics do you remember about your favorite teacher/educator?
The thing I remember the most about my favorite educators was how they made me feel and their smiles! I really enjoyed the classes that felt comfortable and individualized… for me, this was my science class. I enjoyed being able to feel like I could speak up and be understood. I think I grew a lot by having someone believe in me at school!
Name three words that describe you?
Compassionate, Determined, & an Advocate
What’s your favorite food?
This is honestly a toss up and depends where I’m at! I have been known to bring a lunchable to school in order to eat on-the-go for lunch. However, when I’m at home, I really like to go outside and grill. I also love to have a ton of fresh fruits and veggies stocked up for a quick snack!
Where do you like to travel?
As long as I am with friends and family… I will travel anywhere (as long as it’s not too dangerous)! I have been to numerous states within the U.S. as well as, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Traveling is one of our favorite things to do as a family, in fact, we have this huge bottle (I’m talking, the size of a small child) and it’s our family goal to stash away as much extra money as we can in it… when it gets filled up, we go on a trip! This even entices the kids to put their change in it!
Fun-Facts…
I have two kids.
I have a charmingly funny husband.
I enjoy traveling to the beach (and everywhere else for that matter)!
I have a super supportive family!
I have unconditional love for God… and baking!
I heart kids and giggles!
Do you want to have a guest spot on Simply Imperfect Counselor?
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