Thank You School Counselors
Feb. 1, 2024
Feb. 5-9 is National School Counseling Week. In the Chehalis School District, students are served by a variety of counselors. In this week's Friday Connect, we want to focus our attention on the contributions of these staff members who work to help students with their academic, career and social/emotional development to help them in their journeys ahead.
This week, we look at the team that supports our high school students at W.F. West. Next week, meet the counselors who serve our middle school, elementary schools and Cornerstone project.
W.F. West's Counseling Staff
Brian Adams
District Mental Health Counselor
In March, Adams will have worked for the Chehalis School District for almost 28 years. Though he spends a great deal of his time at W.F. West, his job actually takes him to all of the Chehalis School District's buildings. A graduate of Bellarmine High School in Tacoma, Adams' interest in counseling started with a psychology class in high school that led him to decide to explore the field further in college. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts in 1993 and then a Master's in Counseling Psychology in 1994, all from Gonzaga University. In 1999, Adams received a classification as a Designated Mental Health Professional in Lewis County for providing mental health services to out-patient clients in Lewis County outside of the Chehalis School District.
"What I like best is that I get to provide mental health services in a variety of ways to students of all ages and needs throughout our K-12 population," Adams said of what he loves about his job.
Jessica Boeck
W.F. West Counselor for last names M-Z
Boeck has worked for the Chehalis School District for one or two years now. An Adna High School graduate, Boeck earned her Associate's degree from Lower Columbia College, Bachelor's degree from Central Washington University and Master's degree from City University. Working for five years with low income families as a social worker at Department of Social and Health Services was what inspired Boeck to pursue a career in counseling. She got her Master's degree in Guidance in Counseling in the hopes of helping kids break negative cycles in their lives.
"I love the connections and relationships I get to build with students. My day never looks the same. It is always challenging, yet rewarding!" Boeck said of what she loves about her job.
Kerri Chaput
College Prep Advisor
Chaput started working for the Chehalis School District in 2016. Chaput works with high school seniors on everything from picking the right classes to choosing and applying for post-secondary pathways. She went to college at Saint Martin's University. Prior to working at W.F. West, Chaput worked in financial aid and scholarships on the college side of things.
"It is such an honor to work beside seniors as they plan what they want to do after graduation. I love to help them navigate those steps and to see them get excited about all the great things in their future! I love our team here at W.F. West and am very grateful to be a part of it," Chaput said of what she loves about her job.
Shawna Goble
W.F. West Counselor for last names H-N and Running Start students
Goble started working for the Chehalis School District in 2004 as a career counselor and then became a guidance counselor in 2006. A W. F. West graduate, Goble earned her Associate's Degree from Centralia College, Bachelor's degree from Central Washington University, and Master's degree at City University. She became interested in counseling after taking some psychology courses in college and working at a crisis pregnancy center. The work hours of a high school guidance counseling was a good fit for her family and she said she loves working with teenagers.
"My favorite part of this job is being able to walk next to my students during their high school years. I love to support and encourage them," Goble said of what she loves about her job.
Adrian Jimenez
Freshman Transition Specialist
Jimenez started started working for the Chehalis School District in 2017 as a Educational Advocate/ELL Specialist at Green Hill Academic School. A W.F. West graduate, he served 9 years in U.S. Army and then earned his Bachelor's degree in Human Development from Washington State University and his Master's degree in Multilingual Education at Arizona State University. He was drawn to the position of Freshman Transition Specialist for the chance to be back at his alma mater and the potential to be a positive influence on more students.
"It's truly rewarding to see our freshmen grow and develop as individuals, both academically and personally. One of my favorite things about this role is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with my students and become a trusted source of advice and support for them. Whether it's helping them choose their classes, offering study tips, or just being a listening ear when they need someone to talk to, being a freshman transition specialist allows me to make a positive impact on their lives and help them achieve their goals," Jimenez said of what he loves about his job.
Becky Moon
Student Achievement Specialist
Moon started working for the Chehalis School District in 2011 and worked at the now closed Olympic Elementary, then Chehalis Middle School, then Green Hill Academic before being offered her current position. She graduated from Grossmont High School in San Diego and then earned her Bachelor in Science in psychology and mental health from Washington State University and Masters in Mental Health and Wellness with an emphasis in suicidal ideation from Grand Canyon University. She had always loved working with young people, and after walking through the college process with her own children, she realized that she had something more to give to her community.
"I love almost everything about my work, however, the part I love the most is when a student comes into my office and is anxious/panicking about something, and I am able to ease their minds. Whether it's about registering for classes, financial aid, grades, personal issues, or just anything really. Watching them walk out of my office calm, and feeling confident about the upcoming days and weeks ahead, with a smile on their face. That is what I love the most," Moon said of what she loves about her job.
Libby Rakevich
W.F. West Counselor for students with last names A-G and AVID students
Rakevich has worked for the Chehalis School District since 2021. She graduated from Elma High School. Her interest in counseling started in middle school when she transferred schools, and was helped through the transition by a wonderful school counselor. She knew then she wanted to help people like that. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Washington State University. After college, she taught high school English for five to have firsthand experience as a classroom teacher before I started school counseling earning her Master's degree at St. Martin's University.
"I appreciate the support our community gives our schools, and I am so thankful for the amazing people I work with! I also enjoy working with our AVID students. Working with their cohort and watching them grow from the beginning to the end of high school is really something special," Rakevich said.
Susan Russell
Counseling Secretary at W.F. West
Russell has worked for the Chehalis School District since 2011. She graduated from Fairview High School in Ohio and earned her Associate's degree from University of Georgia/Athens Technical. She previously worked as a legal secretary, paralegal and real estate agent. After moving to Chehalis in 2004, she was a parent volunteer at her children's Chehalis schools. When her kids got older, she started working as a substitute and eventually applied for an opening at the high school.
"I love the people! I enjoy being a positive support in the students' lives and I love being a part of the wonderful Bearcat Family!" Russell said.
Kelsie Stiltner
W.F. West Registrar
Stiltner has worked for W.F. West for about six months. An Onalaska High School graduate, she moved to Chehalis because her husband is a W.F. West graduate. She comes from a family of teachers and was raised to value education. She said she always felt drawn to working the education field. She earned her degree at Eastern Gateway Community College.
"I love being able to help students here at the High School get off to a great start when they enroll and to be part of an amazing team that helps see them through graduation and beyond. I love interacting with new students and seeing where they're coming from and helping them have a successful start to their schooling here," Stiltner said.