• Counseling Services at Amherst Middle School

    The Counseling Staff consists of three School Counselors, a School Social Worker and a School Psychologist. Students are assigned to a School Counselor when they enter in sixth grade and will stay with the same Counselor throughout the three years in Middle School. The Counselor’s role is to be available to help with academic, personal, emotional and social issues. Students and parents are free to consult with their assigned Counselor about anything that is of concern to them.

    Grief Resources 


    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources

    Tiger's Den Food Pantry

     

    Your child’s Counselor can work individually with your child to develop study skills, assist students in learning about their own unique interests, talents and abilities, making good decisions and problem solving any personal, friendship or school-related issues. The Counselor’s present social-emotional curriculum in the classrooms and also meet with students in small groups to work on topics such as grief and loss, conflict resolution, study skills, body image, feelings management etc…

     
    In addition, the Counselors work with teachers and parents, providing assistance as needed, to develop plans of action that will help with school success.
     
    The School Social Worker coordinates programs such as Mentoring, Volunteer reading and Peer Mediation. She also works to assist families with any social-emotional issues they may be facing.
     
    The School Psychologist addresses the educational and behavioral difficulties of students in coordination with the Instructional Support Team and Committee on Special Education.
     
    The Counseling Staff at the Middle School can assist with any need a family may be facing. We are professionally trained to help in many ways and welcome your call.
     
    School Counselors
    Grade 7
    Shari Bauda,     362-7171
     
    Grade 6
    Julie Terry,     362-7174
     
    Grade 8
    Gina Spiotta (long term sub for Michelle Thomson),     362-7173
     
    School Social Worker
    Pamela Primerano, 362-7175
     
    School Psychologist
    Dr. Leigh Worral, 362-7176

    The Counseling Center has its own page on Aspen Portal! Log in for news and information.

    On the Aspen Home Page, click the Page Directory button on the left top screen and click on the AMS Counseling icon to view the page.

    Questions about accessing this information can be directed to Cynthia Opoka, Administrative Assistant at copoka@amherstschools.org or by calling 362-7177.