Counseling & Social Work at Hillcrest Elementary

Counseling

I am excited to be working as the school counselor at Hillcrest Elementary School.  I visit each classroom throughout the school year and present lessons on Success in School, Conflict Management, Safe Choices, and Careers and Future Planning.  In addition to teaching in the classroom, I also have the opportunity to work with students in small groups and on an individual basis.  Part of my job includes helping families access support services through the school and community.   Creating a safe and healthy environment where students can grow to reach their fullest potential is my ultimate goal.  If there is an area that you feel your student could benefit from some additional academic or emotional skills training please feel free to call or e-mail.

Schedule:    Hillcrest Elementary on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
                    Maple Grove Elementary on Tuesday

Focus areas: 

• Classroom guidance: I teach approximately 16 lessons in each classroom throughout the year. This district-approved counseling curriculum includes the topics of Academic Success, Skills for Learning, Understanding Self, Communication Skills, Decision-Making, Personal Safety, Drugs, and Career Awareness. 
• Small groups: Small groups are available for students who would benefit.  These groups include: family changes, grief and loss, support group, friendship skills, and anger control.  Contact me if you have questions.
• Individual work with students: Students may request to see the counselor at any time either through their teacher or by contacting the counselor.
• Parent education: The asset most families have the largest control over is support through parent Involvement. I encourage all parents to maximize this all-important asset through the parent education programs offered by the counselors in the Boise School District. 
• Mentoring: Mentoring referrals available upon request.
• Parent/staff consultation: As a school counselor I believe that conference times with parents and teachers are essential to an effective counseling/school environment. Please stop by my office so that I can meet you and answer any questions!
• Other special programs –  Special after school classes, such as “Young Rembrandts” art classes, or classes from Boise City Parks and Recreation are offered for 4 to 6 week periods through-out the year. Flyers are sent home with students to let parents know classes being offered, dates of classes, times, fees, etc.

Laura Adams

Educational background and experience:  B.A. in Psychology, Linfield College; M.Ed. in Counseling and Human Services, U. of Idaho; Ed.S. in School Psychology, U. of Idaho.  I completed a one-year internship in School Psychology near Salt Lake City, Utah.  I love working in the Boise School District!

I enjoy playing sports, reading, doing arts and crafts, and spending time outdoors.  I love dogs and have one of my own – a Golden Labrador named Gary!

To email the counselor please use the following convention:
firstname.lastname@boiseschools.org

For more information about our District's Counseling program:
District Counseling Department | Classroom Guidance Units | Small Groups
Parent Education | Individual Student Counseling & Parent/Staff Consultation

Social Work

Becky Woodland, LMSW

I am so excited to be working as a social worker and Community Resource Worker for such amazing schools! Having the opportunity to work so closely with students and families has been a rewarding and exciting experience. I am part of a wonderful team of people dedicated to helping students achieve academic success!

Schools:

• Borah High School - (208) 854-4370
• Hillcrest Elementary - (208) 854-5080
• Owyhee Elementary - (208) 854-5850
• Hawthorne Elementary - (208) 854-5000
• Whitney Elementary - (208) 854-6580

Practice areas:

• Small groups: At Borah High School, I facilitate multiple support groups a school year for high school students who wish to participate. Support groups are a great way to offer extra emotional support in the areas of social skills, relationships, boundaries, peer pressure, etc.The groups are open to any student who wishes to participate on a voluntary basis and run for eight weeks.
• Individual work with students: At Borah High School, I meet with students on an individual basis in order to offer support, resources, and problem solving. I receive referrals from students themselves, parents, teachers, coaches, community members, and counselors and am able to provide the extra time and attention some students need.
• Parent/staff consultation: I am always available to problem solve, offer resources and support, or consultation to parents and staff alike. I can be reached easily by cell phone and usually can facilitate a meeting via telephone or in person quickly and efficiently!
• Other: At Whitney Elementary, I am very lucky to be able to provide a small clothing, coat, shoe, and food exchange for our families. Families in need can access these necessities all year long.Most of the clothes and food come from donations from the community and from the generous donations of Lakewood Montessori. At Borah High School, I am co-advisor to the Link Program.This is an orientation program for our incoming sophomores and provides mentoring and ongoing support for our new students! Also at Borah, I am actively involved with the Gay Straight Alliance club and their activism and peer support.

Educational background and experience: Bachelor of Sociology, minor in Spanish from California Lutheran University 2003, Master of Social Work at Boise State University 2005.

I enjoy the outdoors and hike every weekend with my dog, Zoey! I have a two year old daughter who is the Princess of the house and a very supportive husband. I was born and raised in Boise and love the foothills, people, and community! I love coaching basketball and track at Whitney Elementary...the kids keep me in shape and laughing all season long!

To email the Social Worker please use the following convention:
firstname.lastname@boiseschools.org

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