Hey everyone! Welcome to Simply Imperfect Counselor!

I am so excited to start this adventure with you!

Get ready to laugh, cry, and pack away tools to work with!
Because with THIS blog, you will be taken into my own crazy, imperfect world of School Counseling!

The #1 best quote for this blog comes from a lady by the name of Brene Brown.
She has devoted her life to research, studying shame, guilt, and imperfection.

“It is in this process of embracing our imperfections that we find our truest gifts: Courage, Compassion and Connection.”

To read more from Brene Brown, check out The Gifts of Imperfection!

That is what Simply Imperfect Counselor is all about!
Telling what I know to be true and work in my life and giving it to you to use in your own imperfect journey!

By using Simply Imperfect Counselor as the power of connection to relate to one another and build our toolboxes for those simply imperfect times… when life hands us lemons.

Where is my experience?

I have been working in the education field for more than 12 years and am currently an Elementary School Counselor in a rural area.
I have been attending some sort of schooling my entire life. Finished (for now) with my Master’s Degree in School Counseling.
I have two amazing kids, an incredible husband, and the cutest little dog!

It took me a long time to find what to write about and to claim that NICHE everyone has been talking about!

But the more I became honest with my self, I realized just to speak from my heart and write! So my niche may not be perfect, but neither is my life or this blog!

So settle in, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy my simply imperfect counselor life! I hope it can help you on your journey!

 

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?

I am looking for amazing content to be added to my site and I’m sure you have it! Please contact me to request a featured post!

simplyimperfectcounselor@gmail.com

I am always adding my resources to Teachers Pay Teachers, also known as TPT! Check me out at Simply Imperfect Counselor – TPT Store