Happy National School Counseling Week!
To honor our counselors this week, The Boulevard Online will highlight the contributions from all of Prep’s excellent counselors in the main office, as well as SBYS. Today, we shine the spotlight on Ms. Lynne Mallory of SBYS! Ms. Mallory shared a few minutes out of her busy schedule to let the Prep community in on her favorite parts of the job.
What does it mean to you to be in a position to help students in many ways?
Ms. Mallory: I have been in the position of Director of School Based Youth Services for 23 years because I really love my job! I get the opportunity to meet so many students and help them on their journey to adulthood. I love to see the transformations that students make when they are able to open up and work through what ever issues they have going on. Unlike many outside agencies that only offer 8-10 sessions with students, we have the ability to see students for as long as they need.
In what area do students seem to need the most help?
Ms. Mallory: Following the pandemic, we saw an increase in the number of referrals for anxiety and depression. Many incoming students also need help transitioning to the demands of the academies and getting academic support when needed. Some of the middle school students are referred for behavioral concerns or just needing helping with positive coping skills.
Is there any job you would rather have? Why?
Ms. Mallory: Before I came to SBYS, I worked with primarily child abuse cases and at one point I wanted to become a “Child Interview Specialist” with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. I felt this role could be very rewarding to be able to get information from a victim that would lead the potential arrest of a perpetrator. However, you always have to be on call and working off hours. I knew I may not be able to manage this if when I decided to have children. I was on maternity leave with my son (now 23 years old) when they called to offer me this job.
What would you tell a student who wants to become a school counselor?
Ms. Mallory: I would tell students that want to become a school counselor, that they will always be busy!!!! Counselors are in high demand everywhere as there is a mental health epidemic going on right now. There are waiting lists just to get into some places. This job can be overwhelming at times with all the devastating things you may hear. However, you get to play a role in helping someone through these obstacles.
How will you celebrate National School Counseling Week?
Ms. Mallory: I think I will celebrate counselor’s week this week by doing something for my own staff. I am very happy to have had the same counselors for over 3 years now. Consistency matters to students. When counselors leave, and students have to start over with someone new, it’s very hard to build up that therapeutic relationship again. I have 2 very special woman who work for me that really put their heart and soul into their jobs! I am thankful for that!
