I moved to Wickenburg in January of 2023, but I have lived in AZ since I was 5. I am already in love with this town. I have three dogs who are my world, one of which is a service dog. In my free time I love going on adventures and doing art.

I got my undergrad at Grand Canyon University in Psychology. My masters was completed through University of Phoenix in Clinical Mental Health. I have experience in equine therapy and complex trauma.

I am so excited to be here and to get to know your student and family. My ultimate goal is to provide support so your student is successful. If there is anything you need, please reach out and I will do my best to assist. If there is an issue that is beyond what I can do, I will find resources and point you in the right direction.

This year, I am assigned to both Hassayampa and Vulture Peak.

Please email me with any questions or concerns.

Padme is a 3 year old English Yellow Lab. She is a professionally trained medical alert service dog. Padme was born in Colorado and raised in Kansas where she was trained at CARES inc.

If Padme is to hard to remember, feel free to call her Mae.

Do you know where the name PADME's name comes from?

When I was paired with her, I know I didn't. Padme comes from Star Wars. All of the puppies in her litter are named after Star Wars characters.

I have heard that Hassayampa has an amazing team of therapy dogs that come to the school. I am excited to announce that Ms. KP, Ms. Joy, and Stella & Lulu will still be coming each week.

Hassayampa is going to have the unique experience of having a service dog and therapy dogs under the same roof. This is the perfect time to educate our students, staff and families.

Both service dogs and therapy dogs are professionally trained to complete a task.

Therapy dogs are used in a setting to work with and provide comfort and support to multiple people.

Service dogs are trained to assist with daily tasks of a specific person. Padme, for example, is a Cardiac alert dog and can detect changes in heart rate and respond accordingly. She can also brace, retrieve, pick up items if needed and provide deep pressure therapy.

Interacting with a service dog and therapy dog is different. The therapy dogs are at the school to interact with students. Service dogs don't always get to interact with students. Padme will be working and it is not always appropriate to interact with her. There are times when she has to stay focused.

Students are always welcome to ask Ms. Julie if they can pet Padme, but it is okay for Ms. Julie to say "not right now, she has to focus."

It's important to know that whether a service dog, therapy dog, or a random dog in public you should always ask to permission before engaging with the dog.

A school counselor is a trained professional and educator in the mental health profession that help support students academic, social, and career development. I work alongside teachers and parents to help their students remove barriers to learning.

What are things I can help students with?

• Managing Strong Feelings (Emotion regulation)
• Conflict with Peers
• Peer Mediation
• Problem Solving
• Anxiety/Depression
• Grief/Loss
• Loneliness/Sadness
• Coping Skills
• Boundaries
• Goal Setting
• Academic Struggles
• Listening and Providing Support
• Assisting with Crisis

What services are offered?

• Short-term Individual Sessions
• Group Sessions
• Classroom Instruction
• Consultations with teachers, parents and Administrators.
• Provide Community Resources
• Advocating for the Student's Need

How does a student see the counselor?

• Student Request
• Parent or Legal Guardian Request
• Administrative, Teacher or Other Staff
• Referral by Friend

Contact: jparker@wusd9.org

This year, as part of our “specials” rotation, I will be teaching Character Counts! During the scheduled Library time, your child will have a 30-minute a lesson which will focus on the pillars of character as well as skills such as self-regulation, persistence, empathy, self-awareness, and mindfulness.

The first few weeks we will be covering HOWL expectations: Honor, Ownership, Work and Leadership.

Addtionally, there will still be time for your child to check out library books.

Contact Ms. Julie if your student needs the following

• School Supplies
• Emergency Clothing
• Weekly Food Bags

If there is something your family needs not listed above, please reach out, and I will do my best to meet the need or find an outside resource that can.

We are here to help!

Call: 928-668-5308

Email: jparker@wusd9.org

Did you know....

• Missing 10% or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year can make it hard to learn to read.
• Students can still fall behind if they miss 1 or 2 days every few weeks.
• Being late to school leads to poor attendance.
• Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up.

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Start building this habit early so they can learn right away that going to school on time every day is important. Eventually, good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school, college, and their professional career.

What can you do as a parent or guardian?

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required immunizations.
• Introduce your children to their teachers and classmates before school starts.
• Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Utilize family members, neighbors or another parent.
• Try and schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school isn't in session.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school talk to teachers, school counselors or administration on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If your child is out due to illness, be sure to reach out to their teacher for resources to continue learning at home.

For more tips and resources regarding attendance, check out www.attendanceworks.org

Monday- Thursday

7:30-11:00am: Vulture Peak

11:00-4:30pm: Hassayampa Elementary

If you need something, please reach out to me through email.

Email: jparker@wusd9.org
Website: https://www.wickenburgschools.org/Domain/9
Location: 195 East Coconino Street, Wickenburg, AZ, USA
Phone: (928) 668 5308