Elementary School Counseling

“Today’s young people are living in an exciting time, with an increasingly diverse society, new technologies and expanding opportunities. To help ensure they are prepared to become the next generation of parents, workers, leaders and citizens, every student needs support, guidance and opportunities during childhood, a time of rapid growth and change. Children face unique and diverse challenges, both personally and developmentally, that have an impact on academic achievement."

– “Toward a Blueprint for Youth: Making Positive Youth Development a National Priority,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Elementary School Students’ Developmental Needs (ASCA)

The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills students acquire in the areas of academic, career and social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

My goal is to get to know each and every student at Green-Fields Elementary. My priority is to ensure that all students feel welcome and engaged academically and socially. I work to accomplish these tasks by providing the following services:

• Developmental Guidance Lessons

• Individual and Small Group Counseling

• Conflict Resolution

• Consultation/Collaboration

• Referrals to Community Agencies

• Positive School Climate

• 504 plans

About me

Hi Everyone! My name is Kelly Hansbury and this is my 16th year as the school counselor of Green-Fields Elementary. I received my Undergraduate Degree from the University of Scranton and my Masters in School Counseling at The College of New Jersey.

I have two kids. My son is 7 and my daughter is 5. Our family loves to go to the beach, go swimming, take hikes and bike rides. We are busy with after school activities like soccer, baseball and dance class. When I have a minute to myself, I enjoy reading and taking walks. All of this requires a lot of coffee!

Working as an elementary counselor is my dream job. Working with teachers, staff and families at Green-Fields has always felt like an extension of my own family. At Green-Fields, we focus a lot of our time and energy on making connections with the kids and families and working on all the skills they will need to make productive contributions to our community.