Counselor’s Corner
Hello St. John’s families! My name is Shannon Manley, and for those I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, I’ve been part of the St. John community as a parishioner, parent, and staff member for over 20 years. I hold an M.Ed. in Counseling and will be serving as the school counselor for the remainder of the school year while Ms. Shaw is on maternity leave. I served in this same capacity during Ms. Shaw’s previous maternity leave.
In my role, I will be providing short-term and responsive counseling support for students, consulting with teachers and families, offering referrals to community services when needed, and leading our winter and spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) groups.
I look forward to supporting our students and partnering with you throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or needs at smanley@st-johnschool.org.
SEL Group Enrollment Now Open!
Speaking of SEL groups, enrollment for our winter session is now open! These small, supportive groups give students the opportunity to strengthen important social-emotional skills, build friendships, and learn together in a guided setting.
If you feel your child would benefit from extra support in areas such as communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, or confidence-building, we encourage you to consider signing them up.
Groups will begin the week of January 12 and run for 9 weeks. To sign your child up, please complete this online form by Friday, December 19.
December Resources
- Holiday Stress: The holidays can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for families, especially for children and teens. 7 Tips to Manage Your Child’s Routine During the Holiday Season is a helpful article about the importance of maintaining routines during this time.
- Giving Back: Looking for a way for to express generosity, empathy, and community care? Seattle’s Child has compiled a list of places where families can volunteer during the holidays. Volunteer as a Family
- Mental Health Resource: Care Solace is a free and confidential care coordination service available to all St. John families. It helps connect families quickly with mental health and counseling services that best meet their needs. To access Care Solace, call 888-515-0595 or visit their website. You’re also welcome to contact me directly, and I can submit a referral on your behalf.
