April 20, 2023
Dear Families of Our Lady of Refuge,
It is my pleasure to introduce Mrs. Kim Smith, MA, LPC, NCC as a counselor for our students grades 5-8. Mrs. Smith holds a Master’s degree (MA) in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Math Education. She has over twenty years combined experience as both a teacher and school counselor. She is a fully licensed professional counselor (LPC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and currently she has her own private practice.
Mrs. Smith is dedicated to helping students identify and enhance their unique potential with an emphasis on social, emotional, and academic development. Life skills that she promotes include communication strategies, problem solving techniques, healthy decision-making skills, as well as cognitive and behavioral practices for taking control of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Her passion and talent is connecting with students using a blend of both encouragement and accountability. She helps develop resilience, motivation, values, self-esteem/respect, and independence so students learn to grow to be healthy, successful, confident, peace-filled people. In addition, Mrs. Smith has created and implemented a variety of enrichment programs. Topics include parent workshops, anti-bullying/tolerance, conflict mediation, structured study skills, leadership camps, and personality profile workshops.
Students need guidance in making concrete and complex decisions. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values to become productive members of the community.
We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Mrs. Smith and extend a warm Raven welcome!
Blessings and Peace,
Mrs. Lauri Hoffman
Principal