Counselor Resources

Meet our Counselors

Nate
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
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
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.