School Counselor
Welcome! I'm Ms. Monica, and I am PS17's Bilingual School Counselor!
I am dedicated to supporting our students' social emotional growth. Having started my career at an early age, I have developed a deep connection with students and proudly serve as a generational advocate for them. Throughout my career, I have successfully helped students understand and manage stress, improve social skills, boost self-esteem, and enhance organization skills. I utilize a solution-focused approach, with hints of cognitive behavioral and reality approaches when necessary with my students.
As a proud Latina who grew up in an affluent and diverse community in the South Bronx, I believe it is crucial to actively be involved in education. Schools are responsible for promoting cultural responsiveness, creating connections between education and the community, and fostering diversity and equity. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Sociology + Afro/Puerto Rican/Latino Studies, and I earned my Master's Degree in School Counseling from Hunter College. This educational foundation has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students, and my background drives me to help close the achievement gap and support our diverse student body effectively.
I am passionate about the positive influence a strong counselor-student connection can have. I am continually inspired by my students' social-emotional growth, and seeing their emotional intelligence develop fuels my passion for supporting my community. Every day, I am motivated by the progress I see in my students, and I am committed to helping them succeed. If you have any questions, or just want to say hello, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]
Partnerships, Counseling Groups, Clubs and Other Titles:
- Both programs are supported by the DOE and help those who identify as girls and gender expansive young people in being themselves and resisting gender stereotypes. The goal is to increase self esteem, have confidence within themselves to express themselves and take pride in their success.
- Please see the tab under clubs on our school website for more information.
- Supporting those who identify as boys and gender expansive young people in understanding their emotions. We review emotions and connect them to physical reactions (for example, when I'm mad my body feels hot, when I'm sad my stomach hurts) in order to express ourselves confidently, and react appropriately.
- A program supported by the DOE where we invite LGBTQ Authors for an author read aloud. In years past, we have invited authors such as Rob Sanders and Kacen Callender.
- Weekly lunch groups with students in different classes but same grade to increase social interactions with other peers.
- Counseling group for students who are new to PS17 to help acclimate them to the school culture, meet new friends, and express themselves.
- Depending on the need, I have held counseling groups under the umbrella to help understand and cope with death, divorce, anxiety, social anxiety, behavioral interventions, and more.
- 4th graders meet people with different career paths. In years past students have met a photographer, a professional roller skater, a tech program director, a web developer, a civil engineer, an author, and a pastry chef!
- Please see the tab under clubs on our school website for more information.
- Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act requires public schools to offer services and accommodations for eligible students with disabilities.
- The NYCDOE Respect for All (RFA) program was launched in 2007 to build the capacity of staff and students to actively promote a community of inclusion in each of our schools. The importance of promoting respect for diversity in our daily practice is vital to creating and sustaining an inclusive school climate and culture in each of our schools so that all students feel valued, supported and safe.
- Supporting current 5th grade students and families apply to middle schools.
- Please see the tab on our school website for more information.
