From Plains To Peaks, Counselors Speak

Monica Bryant's Leadership, Self-Care, and Making Students Feel Seen

Anna Gisetti interviews Monica Bryant, an experienced elementary school counselor from Nevada. Monica shares her journey from teaching to school counseling, highlighting her leadership roles in state and national school counselor associations. She discusses her passion for making students feel seen and heard, particularly at the elementary level, and recommends diverse picture books that support social-emotional learning. Bryant emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, advocating for school counselors to say "no" and protect their mental health. She discusses overcoming challenges in educational settings by focusing on what's best for students and maintaining clear communication. The conversation explores Monica's strategies for preventing burnout, her love of travel, and her advice for new school counselors. She encourages professionals to build their programs gradually, be confident in their expertise, and remember that leadership comes in many forms. The episode offers an inspiring look into the world of school counseling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Nick Brummett: Safe Spaces and Strong Leaders

Anna Gisetti interviews Nick Brummett, a dedicated middle school counselor from Kansas, during the 2025 American School Counselor Association conference in Long Beach. Nick shares his journey into education, inspired by the safe haven school provided during his parents’ divorce, and details his transition from teaching to counseling. He emphasizes the importance of student voice and leadership, recounting stories of students initiating positive change within their school and community. Nick discusses his involvement in state-level school counseling leadership, the value of professional connections, and the impact of mentors who encouraged him to take on leadership roles. The conversation also addresses challenges like imposter syndrome and burnout, with Nick offering practical self-care strategies such as exercise, therapy, and building supportive relationships. The episode concludes with advice for new counselors: build connections, take things one step at a time, and prioritize self-care. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Gretchen Slaughter: Sparking Student Success and Advocating for Concurrent Enrolment and School Counseling

Gretchen Slaughter, a veteran school counselor with 21 years of experience. Slaughter shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to passionate high school counselor, highlighting her work at Bear Creek High School in Jeffco. The conversation centers on her transformative concurrent enrollment program, which has grown from three classes to 32, providing students with free college credits and expanding educational opportunities. Slaughter discusses the importance of career longevity, advocating for teachers, and supporting students' academic and personal growth. She emphasizes the need for self-care, recognizing burnout, and finding passion within the counseling profession. Through her work, she has helped create pathways for students to access higher education, particularly for families who might have previously seen college as out of reach. The episode offers insights into the challenges and rewards of school counseling, with Slaughter's infectious enthusiasm and commitment to student success shining throughout. She provides practical advice for counselors on maintaining professional resilience, building supportive programs, and creating meaningful educational experiences for students. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Finding Joy: Insights from a Veteran School Counselor

Ann Halcromb is a seasoned school counselor with 36 years of experience in education. She discusses the importance of administrator-counselor relationships, self-care, and professional development. Ann shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to educator and counselor, highlighting her passion for supporting students and volunteering at the Denver Zoo. The conversation explores the challenges of school counseling, emphasizing the need for open communication with administrators and regular collaborative meetings. Ann discusses her involvement with the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA), including her roles as middle school vice president and board mentor. In this episode, you will hear about finding joy, practicing self-care, and supporting fellow educators. Ann offers advice on maintaining wellness, enjoying small moments, and creating positive work environments. The episode provides insights into the rewarding yet challenging world of school counseling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Maddy Francis: Counseling with Heart, Creativity, Compassion, and Advocacy

Currently serving as the Project AWARE coordinator for District 11, Maddy has been involved with the Colorado School Counselor Association (CSCA) since 2021. She began as an emerging leader and now chairs the PR committee, managing social media and highlighting the association's important work. Maddy discusses her creative approach to elementary school counseling, including innovative programs like "Personal Space Camp" and using heart rate watches to help students understand emotional regulation. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with administrators and prioritizing student well-being. The conversation delves into the challenges of school counseling, including managing compassion fatigue and maintaining self-care. Maddy candidly shares her own experiences with burnout and the importance of seeking help, offering advice to new counselors that their work is a marathon, not a sprint. Her recent trip to Washington, D.C. to honor school counselors of the year and her commitment to supporting students shine through in this inspiring interview. Here are some resources Maddie sent to add for her notes: IHT (Heart Rate Watches) https://ihtusa.com/ [https://ihtusa.com/] Random Acts of Kindness https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ [https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/] Teacher's Encyclopedia of Behavior Management Amazon Link [https://www.amazon.com/Teachers-Encyclopedia-Behavior-Management-Problems/dp/1599090503] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].