Ms. Winkelmann: Counseling

Email: jwinkelmann@dcsdk12.org Phone: 303-387-6735


NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING?

I am a STUDENT, and I need to talk to Miss Winkelmann.

I am a PARENT, and I have a question or concern for Ms. Winkelmann.

I am a TEACHER, and I'd like to ask the Mental Health team to review...

What's the aim of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)? Spend 6 minutes with this Edutopia video for a peek into the importance and power of SEL.


Click HERE for the basics about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and the Counseling program at Heritage.


Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Counseling Program work?

There are three main areas where the School Counselor works at Heritage: Large group instruction related to Social-Emotional Learning, Small Groups targeting a specific issues or challenges for a handful of students, and one-on-one student meetings.


How can a student access Small Group or 1:1 meetings with the Counselor?

When a parent or a teacher observes need in a student, he/she can make a referral to the Counseling program. Those links are above! Referrals will come to the Counselor and the School Psychologist, and are staffed weekly.


Is a 1:1 meeting therapy?

No. While meetings with a School Counselor may experienced by the youth as therapeutic, School Counselors do not provide therapy. Parents and teachers should consider meetings with the School Counselor a "softer support" than a student could receive in traditional outpatient/clinical settings. At this time, the maximum number of meetings a student may have with the Counselor during an academic year is 7. Meetings are solution-focused, intended to help build skills, and a way to provide additional emotional support to students on a short-term/triage basis.


What happens when a student's meetings are exhausted?

Speak to Ms. Winkelmann about this, case-by-case. Often, parents and the School Counselor will work together to determine next steps that provide additional or on-going support for students.