Counseling

The Mount Elden Middle School Counseling Department supports all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal and social development, crisis intervention, and consultation with parents and teachers.

The mission of the Counseling Department is to provide support to students by achieving academic success, helping with social/emotional issues, and helping with personal development.

Below are the different services provided by our counselors and social worker:

Counselor

Academic Advising

Academic Schedules

Testing

Classroom Guidance Lessons, Data Gathering, Common Outreach

Develop & Present Lessons for Career/College Readiness, Personal & Social Development, Academic Development

Coordinate Programs/Workshops for College Planning, Financial Aid, Scholarship, ACT Testing

Coordinate College Visits & Info

Transition Planning for Middle & High School Students

Develop & Maintain 504 Plan

Participate with Students Study Teams

Participate Schools Registration

Social Worker

Re-entry Plans (Point Person)

Community Information & Referrals for Students & Families

Mental Health Referrals from (Alpha) Counselor

Assist Administration with Conflict Resolution – Anger Management

Assist with Professional Development Opportunities (Safe Talk/S.O.S)

Individual/Groups Counseling (Without a Therapeutic Prescription on IEP)

Substance Abuse Education & Referral (Not Discipline)

Social/Emotional Issues (No BX Only/No Substance Abuse Only)

Maintain/Support At-Risk List (Point Person)

Attend Child & Family Team Meetings

How we can help

We are vital members of the education team. We help all students in the areas of:

Academic Achievement
Personal/Social development
Crisis intervention
Consultation with parents and teachers

Common Issues

Anxiety
Friendship skills
Stress reduction
Conflicts resolution
Managing feelings

Our Counseling Department Staff

Cindy McCollum, LCSW

Social Worker

As a social worker, I am trained to help students succeed academically, emotionally, and socially by providing person-centered support during their time at school. I am here to help with issues like anxiety, depression, grief, and other issues that affect a student at school. This year, I am to be joined by Willow, who is in training to be a therapy dog at school.

cmccollum@fusd1.org | 928-773-8276

Linda Murdoch

School Counselor | 7th grade M-Z and 8th grade

This is my second year at MEMS, but I have worked as a school counselor with all grade levels for 24 years. I also taught special education for five years. I especially enjoy working with middle school students and the energy they bring to my day. I am Arizona-certified in school counseling and special education.

lmurdoch@fusd1.org | 928-773-8266

Renee Rios

School Counselor | 6th grade amd 7th grade A-L

I am so excited to begin my third year at MEMS as a school counselor. I was born and raised in southern Arizona and taught for several years in Tucson, Arizona, before moving to Flagstaff. I received my Master's in Educational Counseling in 2003 and have worked with middle schoolers for over 25 years. If you need any assistance, feel free to contact me.

rrios@fusd1.org | 928-773-8203

Lisa Billie

I'm Ms. Billie, the Native American Academic Advisor/Interventionist. I have 16 years of teaching experience, and this is my fourth year as an Advisor/Interventionist, and I have a Master's in Educational Leadership.

Ibillie@fusd1.org | 928-773-8253