Counseling & Wellness
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2026-2027 StMCS Counseling Information
As we now prepare for the transition back to school, please know how deeply we value our partnership with you in the formation and care of your children. At St. Michael Catholic School, our Student Services and Counseling Team is honored to walk alongside your family, supporting each child’s spiritual, emotional, and academic journey with compassion, guidance, and encouragement.
Should your child ever need additional support or resources, we are here to assist in any way we can. It is a true privilege to partner with your family in faith and learning.
School Counseling Services at St. Michael Catholic School
Partnering with Families to Support the Whole ChildAt St. Michael Catholic School, our mission is to partner with families in forming disciples of Christ who are spiritually grounded, academically prepared, and emotionally supported. As part of that mission, our school counseling program is designed to nurture the social and emotional well-being of our students.
While our in-school counseling program is not a long-term service, it is designed to provide short-term, targeted support for students who are experiencing challenges that affect their daily success at school. Our goal is to walk alongside students and their families, offering guidance, skill-building opportunities, and encouragement.
We are blessed to have four school counselors serving our Preschool through 8th Grade students and families.
Students may qualify for school counseling if they are experiencing:
Difficulty regulating emotions or behaviors that disrupt learning
Ongoing peer conflict or challenges with social interactions
Family transitions, grief, or personal stress affecting academic performance
Struggles with self-confidence, coping strategies, or communication
Anxiety, worry, or school-related concerns that interfere with engagement
Our Counseling Model
School-based counseling typically occurs over an 8–12 week period. During this time, students may meet individually or in small groups to learn healthy coping skills, practice communication strategies, and receive emotional support. After this period, we partner with teachers and families to reassess the student’s progress and determine next steps, which may include continued support or a referral for additional services outside of school.
How to Access Counseling Services
Students may be referred to school counseling through the following pathways:
A parent or guardian may contact their child’s classroom teacher to request support
A teacher or staff member may reach out to a student’s family to recommend counseling
Families may also contact our Director of Student Services, Kate Firnstahl, directly to initiate a referral
Ongoing Partnership with Families
Even if a student does not qualify for school counseling under this short-term model, we remain committed to supporting the whole child in partnership with their family. Our team is available to:
Consult with families to share resources and strategies for at-home support
Provide referrals to out-of-school support, which could include our school counselors. We will have some in-school opportunities for students to be seen under their private insurance plans. (Please reach out to Dr. Kathleen Massmann for scheduling).
Provide referrals to trusted community providers for more intensive or long-term services
Collaborate with classroom teachers to implement proactive supports within the school day
Offer parent education opportunities and emotional wellness guidance We believe every child is a gift from God and that families are their first and most important teachers. At St. Michael Catholic School, we are honored to walk alongside our families in faith and love, providing care, guidance, and encouragement through every season of a child’s growth. And as always, if we can be a resource for you at the moment or at any point throughout the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for you.
Counselors who will be at StMCS this school year:
Dr. Kathleen Massmann, Linnaea Lindahl, Cassie Herrington, Rachel Panek, and Maddie Thompson
Dr. Kathleen Massman Mrs. Kate Firnstahl
StMCS Counselor Director of Student Services
[email protected] [email protected]
Link for counseling Bios.
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