Hi!
I’m Sara.
I’m a licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate with almost three decades of combined experience as a school counselor and learning specialist.
I’ve been privileged to walk alongside adolescents and young adults as they navigate perhaps the most critical years in their social, emotional, and intellectual development.
I would be honored and humbled to walk a few steps with you on your own journey.
At the heart of my work is compassionately engaging with young people; this is what calls me to my counseling practice.
In sitting, listening, holding space for, and seeing each human for who they are, I witness and encourage my clients’ innate capacity to unlock and celebrate their own strengths.
The “Aha!” Moment
On my first day as a high school French teacher, in the classroom where I stood before my students, I gazed out at a sea of faces, some of whom were only four years younger than I was.
As I worked to build rapport and trust, to engage and maintain the interest of each individual face in that sea, I quickly grew to realize that what propelled me out of bed each morning, was not the day’s French grammar lesson on verbs, but the opportunity to sit with adolescents in the midst of the most critical years of their social, emotional and intellectual development.
Students would hang out after class had ended, outwardly in need of explanation or guidance on the night’s homework, yet underneath their questions on the passé composé, they were actually in search of a non judgemental human who was genuinely willing and interested in hearing their current worries, struggles and challenges.
I had created a safe space in my French classroom where students could seek refuge for a few minutes and either sit quietly, or unload whatever was weighing them down. In those moments, I knew my strengths lay in my ability to empathize, listen with compassion, and offer support in whatever way was most helpful and empowering for my students.
Fast forward 27 years, and this has become my life’s work.
I value and honor my clients’ voices and histories as well as their innate resourcefulness and strengths.
I understand that numerous life circumstances may challenge our ability to cope.
I listen without judgment, acknowledge people’s pain, and hold space for them however they present.
EDUCATION:
Master’s Degree in Education in School Counseling from Seattle University, WA.
Bachelor of Arts Dual Degree in Anthropology and French from Mount Holyoke College, MA.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity: Specialization in Executive Function through Landmark College, VT.
I have served in these roles at:
Holy Names Academy (10 years)
Edmonds-Woodway High School (1 year)
The Bush School (17 years)
Outside of work, my husband, two children, and our apricot poodle, Chelsea, are my number one priority.
I am a lifelong Francophile, having managed to maintain my fluency in French since college, and as such I love to travel, eat delicious food, and meet new people.
Even on the busiest of days, nothing can beat a walk along the water or in my neighborhood with a good podcast and Chelsea, of course!
