School Counselor
We are delighted to introduce our School Counselor, Aimee Vavrinec.
It is an important step forward for our school, which has always focused on student, teacher, and community well-being.
In these post-pandemic times, recent studies have shown that there is a need to catch up on the social and emotional development that the students might have missed for two years.
It is also an opportunity for us to develop a comprehensive approach to social emotional learning and integrate it more deeply into our character education program and DEIB initiatives.
"Hello FISW community!
My name is Aimee Vavrinec, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new School Counselor.
I’m honored to be joining this community and to have the opportunity to work alongside students, families, and staff.
I earned my Master of Education in School Counseling from Seattle Pacific University, and I also hold a BA and BS from Central Washington University. What drew me to the field of School Counseling is the unique opportunity it offers to blend my passion for education with my dedication to supporting students’ mental health and well-being. What excites me most about this role is that school counseling is for every student—whether it’s guiding a 1st grader in developing communication skills, teaching a class lesson on respect, assisting a student through a crisis, or leading a group on study skills. As your student’s School Counselor, I’m privileged to deliver a program that supports their growth in academic, career, and social/emotional development. My goal is to help students navigate both the everyday challenges and larger obstacles they encounter, with a strong emphasis on fostering equity and resilience.
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Outside of school counseling, I cherish spending quality time with my partner, friends, and family. Our adventures often include thrifting, watching great movies, trying new restaurants, and attending sports games (the Kraken and Huskies are our usual picks)! Lately, I’ve been really into baking and reading on my Kindle. Specifically, if anyone has tips for perfecting sourdough bread, I’d love to hear them!
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Above all, my role as a counselor is to serve students. I am committed to working collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and staff to create an environment where every child can thrive. I’m looking forward to getting to know each student here at FISW, and to supporting them as they reach their fullest potential! "
School Counseling
Program
The mission of the FISW counseling
program is to recognize and respect the
unique qualities of each student and
guide all students toward academic,
social, and emotional success. By
collaborating with educators, families of
students, and members of the
community, using a comprehensive
guidance program, maintaining high
expectations for all students, and
addressing barriers to learning, we aim
to provide students with the skills,
knowledge, and attitude to become
effective learners and productive
members of their communities.
Philosophy
ALL students CAN and WILL learn
at FISW
• ALL students regardless of race,
ethnicity, religious beliefs, culture,
disability, and economic status will
be RESPECTED and VALUED
• School counseling plays a MAJOR
role in a student’s overall educational
success
• ALL students have access to their
school counselor
• ALL students/families’ information
will be CONFIDENTIAL
• The counsellor will use DATA to
assist in developing GOALS and
LESSONS.
Services Provided
Classroom Lessons
• Group Counseling*
• Individual Counseling*
• Community Resource Referrals
• Resource to Teachers
*Please note: the school counselor
DOES NOT provide “therapy” or
“traditional counseling” Counseling
taking place at school is:
• Brief and solution-focused.
• Groups are educational in nature
• Referrals for outside counseling
services are available if students
need additional support.
