Guidance

The Basics
Mrs. Skopelja has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in School Counseling, and clinical background training in Mental Health Counseling. She is a former elementary school teacher, licensed school counselor, and a licensed mental health counselor. Mrs. Skopelja joined CPCSC in 2018. She has previously taught in Chicago Public Schools and for the School City of Hammond. During her time, as mental health counselor, she worked to support families and adolescents’ emotional and mental health needs. She also has experience working as a therapist for children/adolescents who experienced behavioral challenges and mental health conditions, in a residential-care setting.

HOW DO CHILDREN SEE THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR?
Usually it’s by recommendation of the classroom teacher and/or the parent. Often, children will approach the counselor themselves and ask if they can see her.  

WHAT EXACTLY DOES A SCHOOL COUNSELOR DO?
Much like the school nurse, counseling services are available to ALL students, not just those with an emotional disability or in a crisis. The counselor can address issues using individual or small group counseling, as well as classroom guidance lessons. The guidance counselor is an adult in the building with whom students are never “in trouble.”

Let's Chat! 
Mrs. Skopelja MS.Ed. NCSC, LMHC, NCC
cskopelja@cps.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-663-5683 ext: 15121 
Fax: 219-662-4329