Counsellor Talk : Creative Collaborative Connections

Celebrating School Counsellor Joanne Brisebois

Published on November 21, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

“You cannot change others ,but you can change yourself.”

Joanne is a High School Counsellor in Calgary, Alberta and got her Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her Masters degree in Counselling from the University of West Alabama. Did you know that she loves hiking, connecting and laughing with her team as well as travelling and learning new things?

She wants all her students to know that the most popular students to successful adults – all have had struggles throughout their lives, and not everyone or everything is at it seems. You might tend to think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, well it is not. As well, she wants students to know that accessing support or help is considered a strength, not a weakness. We all learn from each other. There is always a solution or steps to move towards that solution each day.

Her message to other School Counsellors listen, support, access help for others and yourself, and take breaks. Counselling is so difficult yet so rewarding. draining and energizing. Empower your students, and your peers — it’s amazing what happens when students/colleagues feel supported and valued. Lastly — love yourself, and look for the positives in people and life — it makes your journey so much more fun. You can find Joanne in #scchat and on twitter @briseboisjoanne.

I AM A SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Published on November 20, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

Each day I listen to the stories of a child

I listen with my whole heart

Some days are so complex, yet I am determined to find an opportunity to leave an indelible impression on youth

Only other School Counsellors truly understand what it is that I do

I am fulfilled knowing that one small word or action can make a difference in the life of a child

I am here to HELP

Passion and purpose is why I keep doing what I do

I am a School Counsellor and I could not feel more gratitude that I get to touch the life of a child each day of the school year

Opening A Space and a Place For All In The Heart of The City

Published on November 8, 2018November 8, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

“For our family the library is more than just books it’s a source of inspiration” Ayers Family

Today I got inspired seeing this on the window of the new Calgary Public Library. What a gift for our city and the children about to grow up in a place where libraries are spaces like never before. You don’t hear anyone saying shhh in this new building.

There are so many exciting features of this new space:

Library access FREE
Access to information and ideas like never before
30 meeting rooms that you can book out anytime for FREE
220 accessible computers
Artist, Historian and a Writer in residence
190 chairs all over the building to sit in
450,000 items to choose from
any magazine, newspaper or book you can imagine
large print books
an interfaith room for anyone who may need to pray during the day
50+ lecture series
Resources for career development
You can exhibit your art
Accessibility services
Audio Video and Post Production Studios can be booked here all for FREE and the public library is

The library also has ways to watch 10 movies each month for FREE. Check out Kanopy here.

How fabulous to see an mazing piece of art inside the library as you first walk in by the exceptional artist Kalum Dan. The library is showcasing his art in this amazing space as you walk in for all to see.

Illustrated by Kalum Teke Dan

I love this new library. How grateful am I that I live in a city where resources like this are open to people of all ages and incomes. What an amazing space that is easily accessible to all by C Train. It is definitely a space and a place that is a must visit if you come to Calgary.

Celebrating School Counselor Angela Avery

Published on November 7, 2018November 7, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

Be the change you wish to see in the world Ghandi

Angela is a School Counselor in Biddleford , Maine who graduated from the University of Maine. Did you know that she loves chocolate, the ocean and taking pictures? She wants students to know that they are ok being who they are. “I accept and celebrate you- gay, transgender, black or brown or white, from a tough family, from another country, using substances, failing classes, skipping or making mistakes. I won’t judge, I’ll help. I’m here for you, I will always accept you, listen and be there. It gets better, I promise.”

She wants other School Counselors to speak up, write, share pictures, follow and connect. Share what’s in your heart, what makes your job special, what may help others feel less alone. Speak your truth, share your ideas, listen and empathize. Don’t settle. Trust your gut. But please, speak… don’t be still, don’t be silent. We need more kind yet honest, sincere yet straightforward change makers in this world, in our communities, in every school, for our children. Lead in your own way, but speak up. You are worth listening to. Using your voice for good is the only way to lead our youth, to shine a light for them to follow so they may also lead. You can find Angela in #scchat and on Twitter @mrsaverybms .

Tonight she will co-lead a chat Promoting Positivity and Self-Esteem in Youth in a World of Bullies, Social Media and Constant Criticism. You can join her and @counselorpowers at 6:30 MT 8:30 ET on Twitter using the #scchat hashtag. Join her.

Celebrating School Counselor Rebecca Atkins

Published on October 31, 2018October 31, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

Do or do not, there is no try. ~Yoda

Rebecca is a School Counselor in Chapel Hill , North Carolina and went to Furman University for her undergrad and UNC for grad school. Did you know she is a voracious reader? She wants others to know that School Counseling has a unique role in proactively supporting students in academics, career, and social emotional domains while responding to students needs. By creating a Counseling Program Plan for your school , you can maximize your effectiveness so that all students are successful. You can find Rebecca in #scchat and on twitter @counselorup . She also has an amazing blog you can follow at counselorup.com.

Thanks Rebecca for all you do!

Celebrating School Counselor Shawn Adkins

Published on October 31, 2018October 31, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Shawn is a School Counselor in London Ohio and went to Wright State University. He absolutely loves learning . Did you know he is an avid Browns and Reds fan? You can find more about Shawn in #scchat and follow him on twitter @sadkinsump. Thanks Shawn for all you do!

The World Would Be A Different Place Without YOU In It

Published on October 26, 2018October 26, 2018 by sspellmancannLeave a comment

“You are not here to fill space or be a background character to someone else’s movie. Consider this: nothing would be the same if you did not exist. Every place you have ever been and everyone you have ever spoken to would be different without you. We are all connected, and we are all affected by the decisions and even the existence of those around us. ” David Niven

I believe we all have a purpose in life. Each child that comes our way is precious and we were brought to them to make a difference. It is up to us to leave them feeling or thinking or doing something differently than when they walk into our office. It is up to us to help . That is the reason we do what we do. So keep doing it! The world would be a different place without YOU in it!