Hello everyone!
My name is Olha Mykula and I am honored and privileged to serve as a School Counselor here at Columbus Elementary School.
My role as a School Counselor is to promote a positive and safe school environment in which students can grow into their best selves academically and socio-emotionally. I am committed to serve as a liaison between parents/guardians, teachers, students, and the community to help children reach their highest potential and become productive citizens of tomorrow!
I primarily work from a strength-based perspective which emphasizes each individual's (in this case, young student's) existing strengths and resources available. I help students recognize these internal strengths so that they can feel empowered to view challenges as opportunities to learn and succeed.
Specific topics that I focus on covering each year include: bullying prevention, conflict resolution, time management, mindfulness and coping skills, self-esteem, career exploration, responsible decision making, social skills, self-awareness, and others.
What I do:
⁃ Individual counseling
⁃ Small group counseling
⁃ Character education lessons
⁃ Linking students and their families to appropriate resources and referrals
⁃ Observing students in various school environments
⁃ Providing immediate help in crisis situations
⁃ Advocacy
Below I provided a list of some helpful resources and books to assist students and parents:
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Helpful Resources |
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Source |
Topic |
Description |
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https://www.schoolcounselor.org/administrators/role-of-the-school-counselor.aspx |
Helping Children and Families cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic |
This guide contains strategies and activities that parents / guardians can do together with children |
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"Social skills Activities for Kids: 50 Fun Exercises for Making Friends, Talking and Listening, and Understanding Social Rules" by Natasha Daniels |
Social Skills |
This book proivides many activities for children to help them develop social skills. |
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Grief |
This online book provides parents with strategies on how to help their children to cope with a death of their loved one. | |
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"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers |
Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance |
This book offers positive affirmations for children. It celebrates children for who they are. |
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"The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr |
Gratitude |
This beautifully illustrated book teaches children the importance of gratitude and respecting the earth. |
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"The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings" by Anna Llenas
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Naming Feelings |
This book encourages children to open up about how they feel. |
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"A Perfectly Messed-Up Story" by Patrick McDonnell |
Self-Acceptance |
This book teaches children how to embrace their imperfections.
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| "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud | Kindness |
This book teaches kids the importance of kindness and giving through small daily acts of kindness.
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