• SCHOOL COUNSELORS

    Welcome to the Stephen Foster School Counseling page!
     
    A school counselor works with ALL students to encourage a safe school climate of trust and respect. School Counselors meet with students to do brief, solution-focused counseling. School Counselors do not do long-term mental health counseling/therapy. If your child needs extra support, we can assist you in the referral process for outside counseling services.
     
    School Counselors support students with:
    • Managing anxiety or stress
    • Behavior support
    • Classroom skills (organization, testing anxiety, focusing, etc.)
    • Using self-control
    • Conflict mediations
    • Managing emotions
    • Coping skills
    • Motivation, self-esteem, and confidence
    • Family support
    • Friendship-making skills
    • Problem solving skills
    • Social skills
    • Character education
    • Bullying prevention
    • College and career exploration

    Along with individual counseling, the school counselor also does classroom presentations, crisis intervention, runs social skills groups and provides resources to parents and teachers. The school counselor is a student advocate to help your child with their social and emotional well-being. School Counselors split their caseload between grade-levels, however both provide school-wide support and guidance lessons, assemblies, and other fun opportunities throughout the year for your child to participate in!  Please do not hesitate to reach out to either of us for your students' needs!

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Jennifer Gannon

School Counselor, Room 51
 
Hello Foster families!
 
I am so grateful for the continued opportunity to help your student see success! I have been a part of the Stephen Foster family since 2014-15. My goal is to help each student feel successful both inside and outside the classroom. I work with students' individual needs and help teach students positive ways to solve problems, manage emotions, and provide support for students who need a safe place to talk. I look forward to working together to assist your child with the support they need. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
 
Phone: 562-804-6518 ext 6451
 

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Josue Ayala

School Counselor, Room 53
 
Greetings Stephen Foster Families & Community,
 
I am happy to join the Stephen Foster Family and Counseling Team! This is my 4th year as a School Counselor and 2nd year as an Elementary Counselor. I started off my counseling career as a High School Counselor in Riverside County and the 2021-22 school year as an Elementary Counselor in Orange County. I am excited to return to Stephen Foster, as I previously worked with Mrs. Gannon as a Guidance Intern in 2018-19. 
 
I am here to listen to our students and help provide support, helping teach students how to manage their emotions, and overall help students feel safe at school. I look forward to working with our families this year, as well as providing resources and information. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
 
Phone: 562-804-6518 ext 6453

Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum

  • Stephen Foster, along with BUSD, have adopted the Second Step program for whole-school social-emotional learning! Second Step is an evidence-based guidance curriculum that effectively addresses students' social-emotional needs through weekly guidance lessons. Second Step lessons are conducted within the students' classrooms, by their teachers with assistance from the School Counselors. You can find out more information regarding Second Step at the link below:

    Second Step information for Families

    Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): What It Is and Why It Matters

     

Announcements

  • Our next Coffee with the Counselors meeting will be held on March 16th, 2023 in Room 53.

    Topic: Addressing Anxiety and Building Resillience

    The Dept. of Mental Health will be attending and presenting strategies and parent support on addressing anxiety in your students.

    The Counselors will also be here to answer or address any concerns you may have regarding your child's needs.

    AM session: 9:30-10:30 am

    PM session: 3:15-4:15 pm
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