School Counseling Department 

Mission Statement 

The mission of the KASD School Counseling Program is to enhance student achievement. School counselors help all students become responsible, self-motivated citizens who are prepared for the challenges of a rapidly changing society. Our comprehensive school counseling program supports our students by involving families, schools, and our community in helping children succeed.

counseling services team photo

Back row (left to right):  Chris Biolo, Alli Baerenwald, Katie Phillip, Karen Dietzler, Tiffani Gelhar, Tracie Halfmann Front row (left to right):  Katie Wells, Lori Anne Frion, Lana Barnes, Kayla LeBeck, Sara Siegesmund, Brad Demmin

Our team of dedicated counselors strive to create relationships with all our students and meet their diverse needs. I feel fortunate to work with such a caring group of people. I encourage you to explore our department pages to learn more about what we offer and how we support our students. You are also welcome to reach out directly to your child’s school counselor to learn more and ask questions. Our team looks forward to working with you.

Karen Dietzler
KASD Counseling Department Chairperson

KASD School Counselors 

Kimberly High School
Lana Barnes (Career Planning)
Allison Baerenwald (Students Schm-Z)
Tracie Halfmann (Students A-E)
Katie Phillip (Students Li-Schi)
Sara Siegesmund (Students F-Le)

JRG Middle School
Brad Demmin    
Andrea Diamond 

Mapleview Intermediate
Karen Dietzler 

Woodland Intermediate
Tiffani Gelhar


Janssen Elementary
Katie Wells


Sunrise Elementary
Lorianne Frion


Westside Elementary
Kayla LeBeck


Woodland Elementary
Chris Biolo

Program Features

  • We work with 100% of the students in grades 4K-12
  • We place a strong emphasis on student/parent/counselor conferencing
  • The School Counseling curriculum content is delivered in a developmental manner to all students
  • Our curriculum is based on the Wisconsin School Counseling and the American School Counseling Association standards

Program Advantages

  • Focuses on academic success and provides purposeful learning experiences for all students
  • Prepares all students to succeed in:
    • Academic Development
    • Career Development
    • Personal/Social Development
  • Provides counselors the opportunity to collaborate with parents and members of the community to benefit all students

Curriculum

Our comprehensive school counseling program provides curriculum in a developmental manner to all students in grades 4K-12 with the purpose of increasing student awareness, skill development, and appreciation of skills needed in everyday life. Topic themes include:

  • Self-esteem development
  • Motivation to achieve
  • Decision making, goal setting, planning, and problem solving skills
  • Interpersonal effectiveness
  • Communication skills
  • Cultural diversity
  • Responsible behavior
  • Educational planning
  • Knowledge of career opportunities
  • Knowledge of post-secondary opportunities
  • AODA prevention

Individual Student Planning

Our comprehensive school counseling program assists students in planning, monitoring, and managing their educational, personal, and career development through the use of an electronic portfolio. Individual student, parent, and counselor conferences are offered in 8th, 9th, and 11th grades. Areas addressed include:

Education

  • Acquisition of study skills
  • Awareness of educational opportunities
  • Appropriate course selection
  • Lifelong learning
  • Utilization of test data

Career

  • Knowledge of career opportunities
  • Knowledge of post-secondary options
  • Need for positive work habits

Personal/Social

  • Development of healthy self-concepts
  • Development of adaptive and adjustive social behavior

Responsive Services

Our comprehensive school counseling program addresses the immediate concerns of students through individual and small group counseling, consultation, and referral. Areas addressed include:

  • Academic concerns
  • School related concerns:
    • Tardiness
    • Absences and truancy
    • Misbehavior
    • School avoidance
    • Drop-out prevention
  • Relationship concerns
  • Abuse issues
  • Grief / loss / death
  • Substance abuse
  • Sexuality issues
  • Coping with stress
  • Family issues

System Support

Our counselors work together with all school personnel to ensure the success of all students.
Areas addressed include:

  • School counseling program development
  • Parent education
  • Teacher / Administration consultation
  • Staff development for educators
  • School improvement planning
  • Professional development
  • Community outreach
  • Public relations