This week – February 5-9 – we will honor our talented school counselors. We hope you will enjoy reading these profiles as much as we enjoyed creating them. Remember, there are hundreds of other counselors who weren’t highlighted here, so make sure to celebrate the counselors that you know on social media using #SDPThankACounselor!
National School Counseling Week
Domenic Stinger | The LINC
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Mr. Stinger is the senior class sponsor and the 11th and 12th grade counselor. He works tirelessly to provide a meaningful senior experience to our 12th graders, while also holding them accountable for graduation pathways work, developing fun trips, and creating memories. In senior seminar, Mr. Stinger regularly runs community building circles that have been highlighted at the district level. He builds authentic connections with his students through honesty and light-heartedness. He is beloved by all students and does not shy away from supporting his colleagues. When students were asked what is special about Stinger, the consensus is “he is always there to talk and that he is the best part of our school.” We are incredibly grateful to have Mr. Stinger at The LINC!
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
Becoming a school counselor has been the most rewarding decision I have made in my life. There isn’t one perfect way to approach being a school counselor day to day, you need to be flexible and take the lead of what is needed by the students. The most important thing is just being available and ready to listen.
Pam Turner-Bunyon | Powel Elementary School
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Ms. Pam Turner Bunyon has worked with the School District of Philadelphia for nearly 25 years, and in all that time has not lost an ounce of passion for supporting the success of students. She centers her work with them by skillfully collaborating with parents, school staff and others to ensure that all children experience school as a place of love of learning. If you were to shadow Ms. Bunyon on any given day, you would see her greeting students in the morning and doing check ins to ensure that they get off to a strong start, teaching guidance lessons, de-escalating students, investigating claims of bullying, collaborating with teachers as well as members of the culture team to solve issues and plan incentives for students. She prioritizes monitoring and following up on student attendance concerns, while also helping office staff and parents navigate the registration and school selection processes. To be sure, there is breadth and depth to her work, but the common thread is her ability to effectively strategize to ensure students hurdle any obstacles that may hinder their success – and she does all this while maintaining a “can-do” attitude and genuine smile. When it comes to supporting students and staff, Ms. Bunyon seems to have an unending supply of will and energy, with which she continues to impact the Powel community.
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
Across the district, School Counselors wear many hats. The hat that I enjoy wearing most is teaching social emotional guidance lessons. From assisting in making mindfulness bracelets, creating brave capes, and teaching breathing techniques, the interactive lessons help students develop strategies to remain calm. The core of the weekly program introduces all grades to understand brain-based decision making, self-regulation, and basics of noticing feelings. They do this while developing self regulation strategies and building a community based in kindness and love. I believe that when joy enters your heart, students learn to look at the larger perspective and can see the value of forgiveness, gratitude and love.
Jamond Hunt | Heston Elementary
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Mr. Hunt came to Heston in September 2023 as a 5th-8th grade counselor. He immediately jumped in and formed a relationship with several of the scholars. He brought an expertise that was very much needed. He has reduced the number of incidents involving scholars dealing with social/emotional issues. The scholars are comfortable discussing their problems. He is actually helping them resolve conflicts and see things differently. He has a very calm, patient, and caring demeanor, which I think helps our scholars relax and open up to him.
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
As a school counselor, I consider my role to be rewarding and impactful. I enjoy being able to build trusting relationships with my students while supporting their social-emotional development, academic and career needs. I also enjoy being able to support families in need of support or resources. It is a privilege to work at Heston Elementary with an awesome staff to help resolve student related issues.
Lindsay Nemec | Mayfair
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Mrs. Nemec goes beyond her job responsibilities to help out wherever she can. She’s a strong advocate for students and is so sweet! Mrs. Nemec works with K-2 students and their families. She not only helps the young children learn and understand how to be respectful, responsible and restorable, but also helps parents understand how to work with the school together for the students. She is always so kind and helpful and always has a smile on her face! She will take time out of her day to help with any situation that arises. She has given up her morning (before school) and lunch to help with different types of situations such as calling parents and helping with MTSS. Mrs. Nemec deserves all the praise for all her hard work and for dedication to the students and staff at Mayfair School! Mrs. Nemec is amazing!
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
The work of a school counselor is often challenging but endlessly rewarding. Having the opportunity to help students and families face and overcome challenges is the best job in the world. After 23 years as a school counselor, I still learn something new each day from children, families, and staff. I hope to continue to help children and families make positive changes in their lives and to promote access, understanding, and belonging for all of my students.
Donna Butler Jones | PennTreaty HS
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Ms. Butler-Jones steps outside of the counselor realm to identify opportunities for, not only our students, but our entire school community. Although this is her first year at Penn Treaty and her first year as a High School Counselor, Ms. Butler-Jones has over 20 years of experience and knowledge as a School Counselor. She utilizes this experience and knowledge to inform her decisions and has jumped in 100% to take on new challenges. She has truly shown to be a inspiring professional and team player.
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
I want people to know that it takes commitment, flexibility and compassion to show scholars that you care. You have to wear a lot of hats and not your feelings on your sleeve. My years as a counselor has shown me that helping one person makes a difference and being a positive role model helps others determine positive behaviors . I am committed to being the change I want to see in the world.
Cody Carr | James R. Ludlow School
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Mr. Carr goes above and beyond every day! Mr. Carr is always willing to help out any staff member for the betterment of our students. Mr. Carr is an overall fantastic human. He handles all challenges with grace and is respectful of all students’ needs. Mr. Carr radiates positively. He plans events for students and families, runs the school store, speaks to parents with compassion, and allows others to use his classroom whenever they need to cool down. Mr. Carr purchases and runs errands for the supplies needed for events without any reservation. Mr. Carr is THE go-to person! He goes above and beyond daily and is a major asset to Ludlow and the district. Mr. Carr is a snappy dresser, smart, and organized. By far Mr. Carr is the BEST counselor!
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
School Counselors are the heart and soul of every school building. We help create and foster school environments that are welcoming and exciting to the students who walk through our front doors. Every day, we advocate for and support student learning by providing opportunities to build student self-esteem and relationship skills through social-emotional learning. I hope that my students feel seen, cared for, supported, and celebrated when they are here at Ludlow.
Nicketia Bender | Lawton Elementary
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Ms. Bender goes above and beyond for our students (as well as staff) daily. She works tirelessly to support our attendance and climate goals by initiating celebrations, providing incentives, as well as developing solutions to barriers/challenges. She meets with students, and provides intervention and conflict resolution when needed. She is an active member on class dojo and communicates with parents daily to share important information, give “shout-outs” and/or share the attendance newsletter that she designed. In addition to what I mentioned above, Ms. Bender is a true team player. She is willing to “do the work,” get her hands dirty, stay late to support/supervise students with admin, or whatever else is asked of her (even when it is outside of her required duties). Overall, Ms. Bender is a wonderful person, colleague and counselor. I feel blessed to have such a person on our school team. Being the only School Counselor at Lawton is a tough job, but you will always see Ms. Bender smiling.
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
The work of a School Counselor is colorful, challenging and rewarding in the most positive way. I enjoy serving my students, and I’m grateful that I get to make impactful deposits in their lives every day. I love my students, their enthusiasm, drive and what they bring to the classroom. The work of a school counselor is eventful, and most days physically taxing but, on those days, love, prayer, a hug, a kind word and a smile is what gets me through. It takes strength, charisma, patience, flexibility, and love to do this job. Thank God for all the school counselors out there who are fighting each day for the greater good of our students. I am a proud Lioness of the Lawton family.
Victoria McCarty | Northeast High School
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Ms. McCarty was a fantastic classroom teacher and she has done an incredible job as a school counselor. She is patient, thoughtful, and a consistent advocate for the students that she serves. Ms. McCarty is a cornerstone of support for our students. Her guidance goes beyond academics, addressing the unique needs and aspirations of each student. With genuine care and expertise, she not only helps our students navigate the complexities of high school but also empowers them to make informed decisions about their future. The positive influence of Ms. McCarty resonates throughout our school, creating a nurturing environment for both personal and academic growth. As a new counselor, Ms. McCarty has been nothing short of impressive. Her energy, collaborative approach, and commitment to helping our students is inspiring. She is a high-energy person who is extremely organized, efficient, and a proactive team member. When faced with a task she dives in with determination and a problem-solving approach, and does not leave loose ends. Overall, Ms. McCarty is a supportive colleague, dedicated counselor and fierce advocate for students and a welcome addition to the NEHS Counseling team. We are very blessed to have her on our team, she is incredibly deserving of this recognition.
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
The role of a school counselor is complicated, but I have an incredible team and serve the best students in the city! NEHS is an incredible school and our students have so much to offer! As a teenager, I struggled a lot. When I decided to become an educator, I told my younger brother that I wanted to be the advocate that we needed when we were in high school. Since he died in 2014, I have honored his legacy by being a source of unconditional support for my students. To be trusted by them is the greatest honor.
Diane DellaVella | John H. Taggart Elementary School
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
The connection Ms. DellaVella has with staff, students and families is just so special. She has answered calls and texts on weekends from mothers, staff members and others. She works tirelessly. She is an incredible co-worker. She is generous, kind, empathetic and loving. She makes students feel safe, welcome and heard. She has been a leader and mentor to staff. She is such an important part of this school. She puts together programs at the drop of a hat and is organized and ready to roll and goes with the flow. Diane is the sunshine and rainbow of Taggart Elementary. She is the heart that pumps love into all aspects of the school. She is the definition of a school counselor that goes above and beyond.
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
Being a School Counselor is not just a job, it’s a way of life. You carry your students and their stories with you wherever you go. I have served the John H. Taggart community for the last 16 years. During that time, it has been an honor to support countless families who come from all over the world and speak close to 20 different languages. Despite the often demanding and emotional nature of a School Counselors’ job, if your heart is open you will always receive more than you give and learn more than you teach.
Robert Wardlaw | Abraham Lincoln High School
How does this School Counselor go above and beyond for their students?
Robert Wardlaw Jr. is officially the 9th-grade Counselor, but he makes himself available to ALL students in the LHS community. He has a knack for building positive rapport with students by being positive, open, and caring. He has created an office space with a warm and safe feel, making students comfortable and willing to share their problems or concerns. What makes Counselor Wardlaw unique? That isn’t easy to put into words. It boils down to how he makes people feel. Counselor Wardlaw makes you feel seen, heard, and valued. He’s attentive, is a source of encouragement, and provides consistent guidance. The upper-classmen often visit Mr. Wardlaw to update him on their progress or challenges. He meets with them if they are off track to help them back on course. The students love him! Counselor Wardlaw has contributed so many things to LHS. In addition to his regular counseling duties, he works closely with administrators to provide access to opportunities for students; he works with our Student Ambassadors to help build a climate and culture where students can have a positive learning environment to thrive and has organized symposiums for our male students to expose them to various careers and opportunities He’s always available to assist when needed, often staying late to address the concerns and needs of students. Mr. Robert Wardlaw Jr. has adopted the philosophy, “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”- Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Wardlaw constantly hustles for his students- and as the saying goes- he leaves no crumbs!
What do you want everyone to know about the work of a School Counselor?
Being a school counselor comes with many perks, and one of the coolest ones is that my students seem to genuinely enjoy my dad jokes… or at least I hope so! But what truly brings me joy is knowing that I can make a difference in the lives of my students who are going through tough times. After an emotional or laughter-filled session, they leave with the assurance that they have found someone they can rely on, someone who genuinely cares about their well-being. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to wake up every day and do something that I am truly passionate about. I genuinely love my job and firmly believe that it is the best profession in the world… at least for me.