Meet our Counselors
Anna
My name is Anna Rohloff, and I am one of the 5-12 School Counselors at West Central Area Secondary School. I am originally from Rosholt, South Dakota and graduated high school in 2017. I attended South Dakota State University from 2017-2022 where I earned my B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Counseling & Human Resource Development, Specialization in School Counseling. I was a High School Counselor for one year at Watertown School District in South Dakota before joining West Central Area Schools in the fall of 2023. I became a school counselor because I wanted the opportunity to advocate for youth, while also positively influencing them and watching them grow.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and cat, reading, traveling, shopping, and being active.
I look forward to working with each and every one of you! :)
Morgan
Hello! My name is Morgan McGaffey, and I am one of the 5th-12th grade counselors for West Central Area Schools in Barrett. This is my fourth 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 finished my Master’s degree in School Counseling from Saint Cloud State University. Currently, when I am not in school, I enjoy watching sporting events, spending time with my family, and indulging in overpriced coffee.
My role as a 5-12 counselor depends on the need by each and every student. I am fortunate to be working academically with students regarding schedules, completing their requirements to graduate, and the beginning of postsecondary education or careers as they leave our building. On the other hand, I also provide mental health services to our students if they feel they need more support from an adult, whether that be individually or with small groups.
If you feel that your child would benefit from meeting with me, please reach out by phone (320-528-7417) or email ([email protected]).
Nicole
Hello! My name is Nicole Amundson and I am the Student Support Specialist for the South Elementary. This is my first year in this role and I will also be doing music at South as well. Last year, I was one of the 3rd grade teachers at South and previously subbed or was a special ed paraprofessional for the last 10 years at WCA. I am a 1999 alumni of WCA, my son is a 2023 alumni, and my daughter will be a 10th grader at WCA.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my children and friends. I also like to travel, read, golf, and bake/cook.
I am very excited to be in this role and to continue working with the young learners of WCA.
Anna
My name is Anna Berends, and I am the Student Support Specialist at North Elementary School. I was born and raised in Washington State, but have moved around a bit. I have lived in Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin. But my all time favorite place to be is wherever my family is. I attended UW-Stout from 2018-2020 and received my B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Interpersonal Communication. I am a busy mom of three teenagers that attend WCA Secondary school. This past summer I became an author and co-collaborator on a book called Heal to Lead. I love camping and exploring in Grand Marias, watching movies on the couch and writing.
My work at North Elementary School consists of teaching social emotional skills and friendship groups that happen twice a month, as well as individual sessions that target more specific needs of our students and learning positive coping skills. My interest in counseling began as a young child myself. Having someone that I could trust and talk to made a world of difference for me. I am excited to work with this community!
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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.