Counseling Office

Services Provided by School Counseling Program

Classroom Guidance Lessons

At STEM, the school counselor visits each elementary classroom once every two weeks to teach a 30-minute guidance lesson. The curriculums used are 2nd Step and MindUp. However, lessons are often adapted based on the needs of each class. Topics may include mindfulness, safe touches, conflict resolution, respect, identifying, expressing and regulating emotions and friendship skills.

Small Groups

The school counselor facilitates small groups for middle and elementary students. Topics vary based on need but may include social skills, girl’s leadership, anxiety, self-control and dealing with transitions. This is meant to be a space to build community with peers, process and practice skills. Referrals can be made by parent/guardians, staff or students. Once the topics are determined, counselor will communicate them with the community!

Individual Counseling

Short-term, individual counseling is available to all students. The focus is on building skills to be successful in school. Sessions last around 15-30 min, generally once a week for around 4-8 weeks. Referrals can be made by parent/guardians, staff or students. While students often see the counselor for drop-ins, parent/guardian permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions.

Staff and Parent/Guardian Consultation

The school counselor will often speak with staff and parent/guardians to ensure the needs of every student are being met. If you have a concern or would like support around advocating for your student, get in touch!

School-wide Programs

The school counselor provides support for school-wide systems such as PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions & Support) and RULER (social-emotional curriculum). If you have questions/feedback about these tools and/or would like to use them at home- talk with STEM staff! Other programs such as bullying prevention and peer mentoring are also supported by the school counselor.

Outside Community Resources

If you or someone you know would like more information about long-term therapy, food bank, housing, LGBTQ/culturally-specific services, immigration, childcare, domestic violence shelters/support, or other community resources- reach out to the school counselor or view the Community Resources page.

Counselor, Danielle Blechert

206-252-8465
dnblechert@seattleschools.org

Hello STEM community! My name is Danielle Blechert and I am your school counselor. Previously, I worked down the street at Highland Park Elementary as the Youth Services Assistant. There, I helped kids solve problems, worked to start a peer mediation program, and was an active member of the Race & Equity Team. Before that, I worked as a Youth & Family Advocate at a domestic violence shelter. It was a privilege to work with and support families during such a difficult time in their life. Trust is very important to me and I try my best to take time to build it.

I chose school counseling for two reasons. The first is because I believe there is no such thing as a “bad kid”, just students who are doing the best they can with the tools they have. The second is I want to ensure students and families voices are heard and representing at all times in school. 

As your school counselor; I work to address personal/social, academic and career/college needs. Some of my responsibilities are; talking with kids about topics ranging from anxiety to organization, facilitating small groups and going into classroom to teach lessons. I can also help with referrals to all types of community resources from the food bank, to immigration services, to housing. If you and your family need additional help; please reach out. Being a STEM school; I am excited to help students explore various careers and, when applicable, connect them with community members who hold such positions.I come from a very small family- with only one cousin and one brother! I was born in a suburb of Los Angeles and am thankful to have grown up in a community that was very racially diverse. I look forward to getting to know you and your family and to learn from you. Feel free to email or call me anytime at dnblechert@seattleschools.org or 206-252-8465

~ Danielle Blechert School Counselor Louisa Boren STEM K-8
“Our ancestors dreamed us up and then bent reality to create us” ― Walidah Imarisha