Introduction Letter

My name is Shelbie Ely and I am writing to introduce myself as the new School Counselor at Holy Rosary Academy. I am very excited to be a part of the Holy Rosary family for this upcoming school year. I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology and Pre-Theology from Ohio Wesleyan University and my M.A. in Professional School Counseling from Appalachian State University with a post-graduate certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. I am a National Certified Counselor as well, working to receive my LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) credential.

Holy Rosary Academy is lucky to have a Comprehensive School Counseling Program in which all children are given the opportunity to develop skills necessary to help them succeed within the academic, career, and personal/social realms of every day life. Our hope is for them to become successful learners and leaders within their school, as well as responsible in their actions and relationships with others.

Providing individual counseling
Providing small group counseling
Teaching classroom guidance lessons in 3 main areas focused on students’ personal well-being (academic, personal/social, and career)
Consulting with teachers, parents/guardians, and administrators
Collaborating with faculty, staff, and volunteers to plan and organize different programs, lessons, and activities
Providing information on outside resources that may be of help to you, your child, and/or your family

Your child will receive guidance lessons within their classroom setting throughout the year on various topic areas that may include, but are not limited to: self-esteem, goal setting, problem, solving, friendships/healthy relationships, teasing/bullying, careers, accepting differences, and responsible choices and behaviors. He/she may also be invited to participate in individual and/or small group discussions on topics that relate to their individual needs. In coordination with the classroom teachers, every effort is made to schedule group and individual times so that students do not miss valuable instruction in the classroom.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the counseling program, or would just like to touch base, please feel free to stop by my office, call, or email. I am looking forward to working with you and your child!