Sara

School Counsellor

What is your background?

I’m originally from the United States but have called the Northern Rivers home for over 10 years now. I’ve been working as a counsellor for almost 20 years, and I’ve always had a real passion for supporting children and teens as they grow and navigate life’s ups and downs. It’s a privilege to walk alongside young people and their families during such important stages of development.

What do you remember best about primary school?

I remember feeling free to express myself and be who I wanted to be without judgement.

What teaching qualifications do you have?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in School Counselling. I’m also a Clinical Registrant with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and a certified Youth Mental Health Specialist. My training and ongoing professional development are all focused on supporting the wellbeing and development of young people.

Where else have you worked and how has it shaped your general outlook and your approach to teaching children today?

Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of settings with children and young people – including schools, hospitals, and community organisations –supporting kids and adults with a wide range of needs. These experiences have really shaped my belief in meeting children where they’re at, building strong, trusting relationships, and creating safe spaces where they feel heard and supported. I bring a compassionate, flexible approach to my work, always keeping each child’s unique story in mind.

What are your main teaching and classroom philosophies?

My approach is grounded in person-centred counselling, which means I focus on creating a supportive and respectful space where students feel truly seen and heard. I aim to help students work through challenges, build their self-esteem, and recognise their own strengths. I believe that when students feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to reach their potential and grow into confident, resilient and self-aware young people.

Why do you enjoy teaching at BCPS?

I really value working at BCPS because the smaller school setting allows for strong relationships and meaningful support for every student. It’s a place where staff, parents and students work closely together, which makes a big difference in how we can support kids' wellbeing. That kind of collaboration is hard to find and really important in my role as a counsellor.

What do you enjoy teaching the most?

What I enjoy most about my work in counselling is being able to support young people during such a pivotal time in their lives. The relationships that form through this work can have a powerful impact, especially for students who are going through a tough time. It’s incredibly meaningful to walk alongside them and help them feel heard, supported and more confident in themselves.

What is your greatest achievement?

One of my greatest achievements has been setting meaningful life goals and following through on them – like moving overseas, settling on a beautiful rural property surrounded by Australian nature and wildlife, and building a career that feels truly purposeful. Being able to help people through my work is something I’m really proud of and grateful for every day.

What aspirations still lie ahead of you?

Looking ahead, my greatest aspiration is to be a strong source of support for my daughter as she navigates her own growth and challenges. Being a good mum is something I’m deeply committed to, and through this journey, I’m continually learning about patience, resilience and unconditional care.

What occupies your time outside school hours?

When I’m not at BCPS, I run a private counselling practice in Lismore where I work with 10 to 25-year-olds and parents, providing therapeutic support. I also provide counselling through the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) for victims of crime. This work is deeply meaningful to me because it’s an opportunity to help people through some really tough moments in their lives. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my little family and our dogs.

If you weren’t a primary teacher, how do you think you’d be spending your days?

I’d probably be spending more time on family adventures, looking after our property and animals, and taking time to recharge. Being connected with nature helps me find balance and keeps me grounded.