The High School Counseling Department at the Academy of the Holy Names strives to address the whole person—socially, emotionally, and academically. The counseling program is designed to meet the need of the students in a developmental approach over four years of high school. Through one-on-one, small group, and individual counseling sessions, students are assisted in building a system of values and decision-making processes. 

Objective: To provide students with access to a counselor who works in conjunction with teachers and families to facilitate the development of each student’s academic, social, emotional, and career potential. To help them achieve their immediate and future goals.

Philosophy: The counseling team consisting of Personal/Social, College, and Learning Support professionals work proactively to ensure all students build a positive self-image, understand their strengths, and what makes them unique. Our counseling services promote the necessary skills, attitudes, and beliefs for all students to manage present and future challenges effectively; they are offered on the foundational belief that such services are best when there is a strong partnership between school and home.

Depending on the developmental levels of our students, our school counselors:

• Serve as an advocate for each student.
• Hold students to high standards and expect them to demonstrate self-advocacy and responsibility as cognitively and developmentally appropriate.
• Advocate for a student-centered, safe environment for all.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and others to support students' academic, behavioral and mental health needs.
• Provide solution-focused counseling and make referrals when needed.
• Implement the counseling program and use data and reflection to continually improve the delivery of the program.
• Assist in course selection and planning and conduct meetings for academic guidance and future planning.
• Support students to process their problems and plan goals and actions.
• Foster an environment of self-awareness, acceptance, and diversity.
• Provide opportunities and are available for individual and group counseling.

The counseling team's open-door policy allows them to assist students in dealing with personal, social and academic needs. To learn more or set up an appointment, please contact Ms. Oddny Bakke at any time.

Oddny Bakke

High School Counselor

813-839-5371 ext. 351

obakke@holynamestpa.org

Academic support is provided to students at the Academy through classroom, small group, and individual instruction. Families are also provided with referrals to resources within the community to identify specific learning needs and further support for student achievement. The Learning Resource Specialist acts as advocate to ensure students with disabilities can access the academic content in the classroom and demonstrate learning. The Learning Resource Specialist is available to meet with parents and students on subjects related to academic success.

Learning Resource Specialist

Mrs. Lindsay Belush

lbelush@holynamestpa.org

813-839-5371 ext. 415