Mission Statement
The mission of the Hartford Union High School Counseling team is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs. This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.
Meet the Team
Ms. Kaitlin Ellenson
Students with last name A-F
Email
(262) 670-3200, ext. 4560
Ms. Ellenson joined the HUHS Student Services Team in 2021. She earned her Master's degree in school counseling at UW-Stout and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Valley City State University in North Dakota. This is Ms. Ellenson's second year as a school counselor. She originally is from Minnesota and this is the first time she has lived in Wisconsin. Ms. Ellenson is excited to work with the students, families, staff, and community of HUHS! Go Orioles!
Mr. Michael Schmidt
Students with last names G-Le
Email
(262) 670-3200, ext. 4577
Mr. Schmidt has been a Hartford Union High School counselor since 2014. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Mr. Schmidt worked as a school counselor at Maquoketa High School in Maquoketa, Iowa before coming to HUHS.
Ms. Holly Oleshko
Students with last names Lf-R
Email
(262) 670-3200, ext. 4558
Ms. Holly Oleshko earned her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Ms. Oleshko enjoys working as a counselor at Hartford Union High School and looks forward to assisting students, parents, and staff.
Mr. David Lynch
Students with the last names S-Z
Email
(262) 670-3200, ext. 4526
Mr. Dave Lynch joined the HUHS Student Services team in 2020. He earned his master's degree in counseling at UW-Madison and his bachelor's degree in child psychology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Mr. Lynch comes to HUHS with 20 years of experience as a school counselor having served Divine Savior Holy Angels, Fond Du Lac, Northfield (MN), and Oshkosh West high school communities. He is honored to work with the students, families, and staff.
Counselor Roles
Counselors meet with students to:
- Listen
- Problem-solve issues of concern
- Provide support when dealing with personal problems
- Create a plan for academic success
- Explore careers and job-related skills
Counselors meet with parents/guardians to:
- Provide support for parents seeking help
- Provide information regarding available community resources
- Share information about their child within the boundaries of the counselor’s professional ethics
- Review their student’s academic performance
Counselors consult with staff and other professionals to:
- Help identify and assist students with academic difficulties
- Assist administration in coordinating activities such as orientation, testing, and registration
- Make referrals to community agencies when necessary
Commonly heard concerns in a School Counselor’s office:
“I’m just having trouble with a teacher.”
“I just need to talk to someone.”
“I need help with my college application essay.”
“My homework isn’t done because of something that happened at home.”
“Something happened to me and I need to tell someone.”
“I need extra help in some of my classes.”
“I need help choosing my classes for next year.”
Counselors may meet with students about:
- Behavior, personal or social issues
- Difficulties with grades
- Attendance
- Registration
- Post-high school planning
- Career-search activities
- Orientation
Confidentiality
What you say in a counselor’s office, stays in a counselor’s office.
- Exceptions
- Someone is hurting you
- You want to hurt someone
- You want to hurt yourself
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