Counseling Department
STMS Counseling Mission Statement
To inspire excellence by advancing each student as an individual by building confidence academically and emotionally; to connect students to real-life global experiences using self-knowledge for goal setting, future planning, and lifelong learning.
About the Counseling Department
What Do STMS School Counselors Do?
At Sonoran Trails Middle School, our School Counselors base their student services off of the American School Counselor Association National Model. Our counseling program is a collaborative effort benefiting students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the Cave Creek community.
School Counseling Goals and Objectives
School success requires that students make successful transitions and acquire the attitudes, skills, and knowledge that are essential to the competitive workplace of the 21st century.
The goal of school counseling programs is to facilitate student development across the following three standards:
- Academic Development
- Career Development
- Personal/Social Development
STMS counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, the counselors create a school culture of success for all. They help all students: 1. Apply academic achievement strategies 2. Manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills 3. Plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, workforce)
Their duties include, but are not limited to, providing:
individual student academic planning and goal setting, school counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards, short-term counseling to students, referrals for long-term support, collaboration with families/teachers/administrators/community members for student success, advocacy for students at individual education plan and 504 meetings, analyzing data to identify student issues, needs and challenges, acting as a systems change agent to improve equity, access, achievement, and opportunities for all students.
Individual Student Planning
We provide students and parents the opportunities to meet one-on-one with the school counselors as needed, small groups starting the second semester, counseling lessons within the classroom environment.
Upcoming Small groups for the second semester:
- Anxiety/Stress Coping Skills
- Stinger Study Skills
Responsive Services
STMS counselors provide responsive services by offering short-term counseling interventions to resolve immediate conflicts/problems, respond to crisis events, and intervene in school-specific situations that disrupt learning.
Meet Your Counselors
Kelly Love- 7th Grade Counselor
Bachelor of Science: Psychology
Liberty University 2019
Master of Education: School Counselor
Liberty University 2021
Here at STMS, our counseling program aligns with that of the ASCA National Model. Our counseling programs are an integral part of STMS's academic mission and are created to have a significant positive impact on student achievement, attendance, and behavior. We accomplish this by data-driven decisions, delivering to all students systematically, including a developmentally appropriate program for career and postsecondary readiness and success, and closing achievement and opportunity gaps.
Contact Me: Kelly Love
Daniel Slager- 8th Grade Counselor
Bachelor of Social Work
Western Michigan University
Masters of Social Work
University of Michigan
Hi there, I'm Daniel, the 8th grade counselor. And not to toot my own horn but I'm basically a magician, not that I have ever been able to make a rabbit disappear, but I have been known to make a kid's bad day disappear with one conversation or at least a few dad jokes.
When I'm not blowing minds with my amazing magic, I love being the goofy fun-loving dad to my two kids. As a family we love to spend time together watching movies, and going on family vacations to Flagstaff to ski and San Diego for some beach time. When I’m not spending time with my family or working you will probably find me playing hockey a couple of times a week or popping and locking to some sick beats with my pal Thaddeus the raccoon.
I am thrilled to be here at Sonoran Trails Middle School and it is my goal to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where all students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Whether you are a new or returning member of our school community, please know that I am here to provide guidance, resources, and a listening ear.
I believe that by working together, we can create a supportive and caring community that nurtures the growth of our students. Thank you for entrusting me with this important role, and I can't wait to meet and work with all of you!
Contact Me: Daniel Slager
Social Worker
The district-wide Social Worker is Beth Udisky.
Resources for Parents
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Maricopa County Mobile Crisis - 480-736-4955
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Foothills Food Bank - 480-488-1145
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Teen Lifeline - 602-248-8336
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National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-8255
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National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
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Disaster Distress Helpline offers counseling services via telephone and in multiple languages: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
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Find free and almost free services in Maricopa County: https://www.findhelpphx.org/
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Arizona Department of Child Safety - 1-888-SOS-CHILD
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Workshops for Youth and Families
Reading Resources
Sheryl Feinstein: Parenting the Teenage Brain and Secrets of the Teenage Brain
Robert Sylwester: The Adolescent Brain: Reaching for Autonomy
Barbara Straud: The Primal Teen: What the New Discoveries About the Teenage Brain Tell Us About Our Kids
David Walsh and Nat Bennet: Why Do They Act That Way? Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen
David Sousa: How the Brain Learns; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Special Need Brain Learns
Resources for Students
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Arizona Career Information System - AZCIS
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Teen Lifeline - 602-248-8336
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National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-8255
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National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233
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Kid President Videos
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Wellcast YouTube Channel
8th Grade Academic Appointments
Are you struggling academically? Worried about your ability to keep up in class? Please use the link above to meet with Mrs. Love and discuss your academic concerns.