Counselor Spotlight: Laurel Springs School Counselors Help Students Dream Big

School counselors have a superpower: helping students dream big. The endless dedication and relentless support of our students by the Laurel Springs School Counseling Team is overwhelming. These individuals have dedicated their life’s work to better the lives of our students during their time at Laurel Springs and after they leave the school.

Let’s Celebrate! It’s National School Counseling Week 2023

Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the annual National School Counseling Week highlights school counselors’ tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Students, families, administrators, teachers, legislators, the media, and the public take to social media the first full week of February to focus attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. school system.

The 2023 theme, “School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big,” celebrates and spotlights the work school counselors do to maximize student success, promote access and equity, and improve student outcomes.

Join us in recognizing and thanking our counseling team. We encourage you to send a note of appreciation to your Laurel Springs School Counselor any time from February 6-10.

Is a school counselor the same as a guidance counselor?

The role of school counselors and the role of the guidance counselors are different. Guidance counselors historically consulted students on their path from school to college or career. Their job function was typically limited in capacity, using standardized tests, student data, and teacher and student interviews to help inform and influence students’ expectations for life after high school graduation.

In recent years, the role of school counselors transitioned to a more multifaceted role, supporting students holistically. School counselors still provide guidance and resources for college and career preparedness, while also supporting student's academic and mental health.

Laurel Springs School Counselors Rock!

From the day they enroll through the day they graduate, full-time Laurel Springs students collaborate with a certified counselor to implement an individual plan setting each and every student on their own journey to success. Counselors provide guidance, resources, and advice to help ensure students’ educational, emotional, social, and physical needs are met.

Meet the Laurel Springs School K-8 Counseling Team

Mrs. Amber Barnes, K-8 Counselor

Mrs. Barnes comes to Laurel Springs with almost twenty years in education as a School Counselor and educator including experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She holds both a master’s and an Educational Specialist Degree in School Counseling (K-12) from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a bachelor’s Degree in Education from Slippery Rock University. Mrs. Barnes lives with her family in North Carolina and they enjoy taking adventures and exploring everything the state has to offer from the mountains to the beaches.

 

Mrs. Shannon Snow, K-8 Counselor

Mrs. Snow earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University, and master’s degree in Counselor Education K-12 from West Chester University. Since joining Laurel Springs, she has worked as a Placement Counselor, College Counselor, and has been a part of the K-8 Counseling team for the past 2 years. Mrs. Snow lives with her family in Pennsylvania.

 

Mrs. Kim Alvanos

Mrs. Alvanos earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in School Counseling from Immaculata University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Penn State. Prior to joining the Laurel Springs community, Ms. Alvanos worked in special education and outpatient therapy settings. She has a passion for supporting students in reaching their individual goals. Mrs. Alvanos lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. She enjoys traveling, reading, completing home improvement projects, and tasting sweet treats!

 

Mrs. Kristina Bass

Mrs. Bass earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology from St. Mary’s College of California and holds a Pupil Personnel Services credential. She has worked in public, private and performing art high schools for over ten years. She has most currently worked as a college counseling independent consultant. She has supported student athletes and is familiar with NCAA eligibility. Mrs. Bass lives in Alabama with her husband, George, and her three children, and their dog! She enjoys spending time with her family, watching their sports games, trying out new foods, and great new places to hike!

 

Ms. Grace Dever, College Counselor

Ms. Dever earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Scranton and her Master of Education degree in School Counseling from West Chester University. She has experience counseling students in grades K-12 and worked as a Placement Counselor with Laurel Springs. She is passionate about the field of school counseling and assisting students in working toward their short-term and long-term goals. Outside of counseling, Ms. Dever enjoys squeezing in long-distance runs, playing guitar, and spending time with her dog, Bowie.

 

Mr. John Drucis, College Counselor

Mr. Drucis received a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Widener University and his B.A. in Speech Communication from Pennsylvania State University. With more than seven years of counseling experience, Mr. Drucis enjoys working with the students at Laurel Springs where he is a resource to help them with their academic goals. Mr. Drucis loves spending time with his family, cooking, working out, and rooting for Penn State Football!

 

Mrs. Lauren Kissinger, College Counselor

Mrs. Kissinger earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Cabrini College and her Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Rosemont College. She’s passionate about her role in helping students strive to achieve their personal best. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her chocolate lab, Reese. She also enjoys channeling her creativity through DIY projects and baking, as well as a great cup of coffee!

 

Mrs. Chris Lane, College Counselor

Mrs. Lane joined Laurel Springs with nearly 30 years of experience as a secondary school counselor. She earned her master’s degree in School Counseling from Duquesne University with a K-12 certification. Prior to joining the College Counseling Department, Mrs. Lane launched her career at a rural public school district located in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where she served as a school counselor for nine years. She then completed her public school experience at a large Division I school in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Lane brings extensive experience in academic advising, career services, and the college admissions process. Passionate about animal rescue, Mrs. Lane enjoys hiking with her Alaskan Malamute. She splits her residency between western Pennsylvania and Sarasota, Florida, where she enjoys walking on the beach and swimming in the Gulf.

 

Mrs. Meghan Longo, College Counselor

Mrs. Longo earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business from the University of Rhode Island and her master’s degree in Higher Education from Drexel University. Before joining Laurel Springs, she worked for more than 10 years in higher education, most recently in college admissions at Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a focus on out-of-state and international students. As a counselor, Mrs. Longo enjoys guiding students through the college admissions process and helping them reach their academic goals. In her spare time, Mrs. Longo enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, and baking.

 

Mrs. Jessica Todd, College Counselor

Mrs. Todd has 22 years of experience in education, including 15 years as a School Counselor and five years as an English and Spanish teacher. She holds a Master of Education degree in School Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in English. She loves all aspects of school counseling and is most passionate about building relationships with students and helping them find the right college fit. Mrs. Todd loves the beach and all things Florida, even though she has lived in many different places, including Mexico, where she learned to speak Spanish. When she’s not enjoying the sunset, Mrs. Todd loves to listen to live music, go for walks (and hikes, like the pic!), and watch college football.

Meet the Academy at Laurel Springs Counseling Team

 

Mrs. Dasha Bindler, Academy Counselor

Mrs. Bindler earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from the University of Texas in Austin and holds a teaching certificate from the state of Texas. While living in Pennsylvania, she earned a Master of Science degree from American College in Bryn Mawr. In addition to experience teaching internationally, Mrs. Bindler has been working as a college advisor for more than 15 years. She loves the work that she does and feels she can connect and be effective with a variety of students due to her cultural experiences traveling and living abroad. Mrs. Bindler resides in The Woodlands, Texas, and enjoys gardening, walking, and being outdoors.

 

Mrs. Dasha Bindler, Academy Counselor

Mrs. Bindler earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from the University of Texas in Austin and holds a teaching certificate from the state of Texas. While living in Pennsylvania, she earned a Master of Science degree from American College in Bryn Mawr. In addition to experience teaching internationally, Mrs. Bindler has been working as a college advisor for more than 15 years. She loves the work that she does and feels she can connect and be effective with a variety of students due to her cultural experiences traveling and living abroad. Mrs. Bindler resides in The Woodlands, Texas, and enjoys gardening, walking, and being outdoors.

 

Mrs. Stacy Marchionni, Academy Counselor

Mrs. Marchionni holds a master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph, a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Drexel University, and a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Central Connecticut State University. She comes to Laurel Springs with ten years of School and College Counseling experience in Connecticut. Mrs. Marchionni lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her family, including her husband, Rob, their two children, Robbie and Brayden, and two cats, the mother Lucky and her kitten Snowy. Mrs. Marchionni loves spending time hiking, baking, listening to audio books, going to the beach and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Jillian McLauglin, Academy Counselor

Mrs. McLaughlin spent seven years as a High School Counselor in Connecticut before joining the LSS team. She is passionate about guiding students towards their college and career, personal, and academic goals. She holds her master’s degree in School Counseling and bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Mrs. McLaughlin is a native New Yorker who moved to North Carolina two years ago. In her free time, Mrs. McLaughlin enjoys exploring new areas with her family and dog, pursuing her passion for fitness, traveling, and testing out new recipes in the kitchen. An avid lover of nature, she feels most at peace when surrounded by mountain views or a body of water.

 

Ms. Rebecca Snellman, College Counselor

Ms. Snellman earned her master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Washington. With more than 14 years of experience as a high school counselor serving students from diverse backgrounds, she has a passion for higher education and supporting students in finding the right college fit. Ms. Snellman has a great appreciation for travel and learning from people who live in different parts of the world. She is an avid reader and nature enthusiast.

Meet the Placement Counseling Team

 

Mrs. Carla Cooper, Placement Counselor

Mrs. Cooper has more than 12 years of experience in education, including seven years as a school counselor. She holds a master’s degree in School Counseling and is currently certified in Georgia and Illinois. Mrs. Cooper has worked in the Georgia Public School System for the last five years serving students in grades K-12. Mrs. Cooper takes pride in being an advocate and mentor for students on their academic journey. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and sewing.

 

Mrs. Kathy McLaughlin, Seasonal Placement Counselor

Mrs. McLaughlin has held various roles at Laurel Springs School including Student Services Manager, and has assisted the Student Services team in prior years during the busy back-to-school seasons. Mrs. McLaughlin lives in West Chester, PA with her husband Robert. Between them, they have five adult children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys creating art, reading and spending time with her family. 

 

Ms. Michelle Harper, Student-Athlete and Placement Coordinator

Ms. Harper is a two-time alum of the University of Southern Mississippi earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2003 and a master’s degree in Sport Management in 2008. She is currently enrolled at Liberty University seeking a doctorate degree in Education Leadership. She has more than 14 years in student-athlete support services and development. Before coming to Laurel Springs School, Ms. Harper worked in higher education in Tallahassee, Florida with student-athletes to enhance their academic and personal development while becoming lifelong learners and productive citizens within their community. She loves the ability to develop and empower champions in the classroom to be the best version of themselves. Ms. Harper spends her free time traveling, rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, coaching seven and eight-year-old girls’ basketball, and spending time with her family.

 

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