Merton Williams School Counseling Program is a comprehensive developmental program geared toward meeting the needs of young adolescents. Adolescence is often a time of enormous change and growth for young people. Having counselors available to support and guide our students through the academic, social and emotional challenges inherent in middle school is critical to the well-being of individuals, while at the same time positively influencing school climate.
Counseling Dept.
7th Grade Team Counselors:
7th Grade Team Counselors:
Legacy: Erika Greene (585) 392-1000, ext. 3197
Infinity: Erika Greene (585) 392-1000, ext. 3197
Destiny: Beth Letters (585) 392-1000, ext 3196
8th Grade Team Counselors:
Elektra: Kristen Pignagrande (585) 392-1000, ext. 3198
Agape: Last names beginning with A-K - Kristen Pignagrande (585) 392-1000, ext. 3198;
last names beginning with L-Z - Beth Letters, (585) 392-1000, ext. 3196Civitas: Last names beginning with A-K - Kristen Pignagrande (585) 392-1000, ext. 3198;
last names beginning with L-Z - Beth Letters, (585) 392-1000, ext. 3196
Additional Counseling Staff:
Meghan Kleehammer, School Psychologist
Katie Kunkle, Social Worker/Prevention Counselor (585) 392-1000, ext. 3095
Loreen Masters, Counseling Administrative Assistant (585) 392-1000, ext. 3191
Jennifer Ricotta, Social Worker/Prevention Counselor (585) 392-1000, ext. 3194
Joanne Shearn, Counseling Administrative Assistant (585) 392-1000, ext. 3192
How students access their school counselor:
Parent referral
Teacher referral
School administration referral
Self-referral-students are made aware of all the counseling services available to them during a classroom presentation at the beginning of the school year. During this presentation students complete a needs assessment to let the school counselors know if they are interested in counseling services.
Appointment slips are available in the Counseling Office. Students are made aware of these slips during the counseling presentations.
The purpose of school counseling is to support students to:
Foster self-understanding and self-awareness
Develop stress management and coping skills
Express emotions in a healthy way
Learn self-advocacy skills
Explore career and higher learning opportunities
Achieve academic success
Explore extracurricular activities
Discuss home and family stressors and learn positive coping.
Develop appropriate social skills
Learn to develop positive peer relationships
Services Available:
Individual counseling
Parent consultations
Academic advisement
Group counseling
Mediations between peers
Teacher/administration consultations and collaboration
Connection to outside resources
*All counseling services are voluntary and confidential.