Spring has arrived, bringing with it new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and a sense of renewal. As we embrace the changing seasons, let's also take a moment to reflect on our journey thus far and set our intentions for the month ahead. In April, we encourage you to nurture your growth, both personally and professionally. Whether it's embarking on a new project, learning a new skill, or simply taking time for self-care, this month presents countless possibilities for development and exploration. Together, we can make April a month to remember!

— Danyatta and Brittany

Little Elm High School

Little Elm ISD

What influenced you to become a school counselor, college advisor, social worker, or counselor leader?

My high school counselor influenced me to become a High School Counselor - having an additional person willing to put in the time, effort and desire to see me succeed in life made all the difference in my high school experience and future.

Tell us about an initiative or change you were a part of that promoted advocacy for fellow counselors or students. Describe how that change has impacted your role or the lives of students.

Increasing the awareness for the need of Intervention/Crisis Counselors - providing additional support for higher need students.

What are you most proud of in your current position?

Currently I am most proud of seeing smiles on student's faces that once were not there!

When the work gets hard, how do you find a balance between your work and personal life?

Taking care of myself (my workout routines are my saving grace) as well as maintaining boundaries (leaving work at work).

What advice would you give future counselors, college advisors, or social workers?

Never forget your 'why' - why you initially went into the field - on the harder days, your why is what will get you through!

Help us recognize colleagues across the region who are going above and beyond in our world. We challenge you to nominate school counselors who are doing "big" work for our students. Complete this form to highlight those changing kids' lives in our educational setting and preparing them for life.

April 9, 2024— Grief-Informed Care, "Normal" Grief and Traumatic Grief (11-11:45AM)

• Registration and Zoom Link

April 9, 2024 — Discover the New Tech Apps TEKS: And How to Teach Them with Discovery Ed.

• Register Here

April 13, 2024 —Let's Go to Work! Part 1: Your Money, Benefits, and Work

• Register Here

April 20, 2024 — Let's Go to Work: Part 2: Applying for Disability Benefit

• Register Here

April 23, 2024 — Texas Model 6th Edition Focus Group - Virtual

• Register Here

May 2, 2024 — New Counselor CTE Workshop: CTE Programs, and Infrastructure for College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR)

• Register Here

June 20-22, 2024 - Texas Autism Conference

• Register Here

June 23-27, 2024 - Texas School Safety Center Conference

• Register Here

Cook Children's Professional Education Series

• Register Here

The ESC Region 11 Mental Health and School Counseling team is here to serve and support school counselors and educators in a variety of ways that will promote whole-child wellness to build stronger school communities.

FACT: According to the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, employees engaged in professional development are also more likely to stay engaged in their work and to be enthusiastic about pursuing their goals.

Some Sessions We Offer:

• Suicide Prevention
• Crisis Response
• Ethics for Counselors
• Transcripts 101
• Restorative Practices
• Behavioral Threat Assessment Training
• Trauma-Sensitive Schools
• Developing a Comprehensive School Counseling Program
• Anxiety and Stress Management
• Emotional Poverty in All Demographics
• School Counseling and Legislation

Services We Provide:

• Technical Support
• Crisis Support
• Counselor Coaching
• School Counseling Program Audits

To request service, go to bit.ly/3VmeFWY. We also customize professional development.

ESC Region 11 Crisis Management Team Mission Statement

The ESC Region 11 Crisis Management Team will assist districts and charter schools with preparing and responding to school crises by addressing the mental health needs of students and staff to aid in crisis recovery.

Our Services

• Assist with a Crisis Action Plan
• On-site Support
• Staff Debriefing
• Crisis Kits
• Community Resource Connections
• Sample Communication Letters

Contact Us:

Dr. Danyatta Harrell | dharrell@esc11.net or 817-740-7575

Brittany Stroud, LPC | bstroud@esc11.net or 817-740-7712