Meet our Counselors
Nate
My name is Nate Wood, I am the 9-12 counselor at WCA I became an educator because I want to see every student reach their full potential. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris in 2008 with a degree in Secondary Education. I taught history and coached in Sisseton, SD for seven years before moving back to MN. I taught social studies at WCA for 2 years while completing my Master’s from MSUM in School Counseling. In 2017 I took the school counseling role at WCA. I am also involved with the South Dakota National Guard.
Some of Mr. Wood's Favorite Things:
Hobbies- working out, naps, mowing my lawn
Sports- coaching anything and everything!
Travel- it’s my goal to make it to all 50 states.
Food- grilling, smoking, and trying new recipes.
Morgan
Hello! My name is Morgan McGaffey, and I am the elementary counselor for both North and South elementary schools at WCA. This is my first year as a school counselor, however, I have been a part of this school district my entire life. After graduating from WCA, I attended Minnesota State University Moorhead for my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Special Education. I am currently finishing my Master’s degree in School Counseling from Saint Cloud State University. I will graduate this May. When I am not in school, I enjoy watching sporting events, spending time with my family, and indulging in overpriced coffee.
My role as an elementary school counselor depends on the need by each and every student. I am fortunate to be in classrooms teaching essential social emotional skills for all students twice a month. I also provide small group work to target more specific needs amongst groups of students. Overall, I am that trusted adult that a child can confide in or ask for help when needed.
If you feel that your child would benefit from meeting with me, please reach out by phone (320-965-7619) or email ([email protected]).
Cindy
My name is Cindy Mau and I am the 5-8 middle school counselor for WCA. I have been in education for all of my career. I taught High school Psychology for twelve years. I taught courses in education at Minot State University in North Dakota, while being the Middle School counselor for twelve years. I also was in Administration in a middle school for many years. The majority of my career has been spent as a middle school counselor. I love being with teachers and students.I feel a great deal of admiration for teachers!
I am married to Les Mau and we have four adult children, with eleven grandchildren. WCA is a great District with staff who are dedicated and loyal to students. It is a privilege to work at WCA!
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Role of
the School Counselor
The West Central Area School District has
counseling services available to students in all elementary, middle, and high
schools. The role of the counselor is to guide, advise, recommend, consult, and
assist with the nearly limitless variety of concerns that students, parents,
teachers, administrators, and the school community may have. School counselors
are vital members of the education team.
The school counseling program at WCA is aligned with the ASCA (American School
Counselor Association) national model. Each school counselor addresses the
three domains of school counseling:
Academic Development
●
Students
will acquire the attitudes, knowledge, and skills that contribute to effective
learning in school and across the life span.
●
Students will complete school with the academic
preparation essential to choose from a wide range of substantial post-secondary
options, including college.
●
Students will understand the relationship of
academics to the world of work, and to life at home and in the community.
Career
Development
●
Students will acquire the skills to investigate
the world of work in relation to knowledge of self and to make informed
decisions.
●
Students will employ strategies to achieve
future career goals with success and satisfaction.
●
Students will understand the relationship
between personal qualities, education, training, and the world of work.
Social/Emotional
Development
●
Students will acquire the knowledge, attitudes,
and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect self and others.
●
Students will make decisions, set goals, and
take necessary action to achieve goals.
●
Students will understand safety and survival
skills.
Counseling offers a means for the student to
grow in knowledge of self and others, thus enabling the student to develop a
sense of responsibility needed to live effectively in the 21st Century. The
counselors' functions are varied as they help students better understand
themselves and the world around them and to be more receptive to learning in
the classroom.
Parents and students are urged to contact the
school counselor to discuss any area of concern.