Hello everyone!

My name is Olha Mykula and I am honored and privileged to serve as a School Counselor here at Columbus Elementary School.

My role as a School Counselor is to promote a positive and safe school environment in which students can grow into their best selves academically and socio-emotionally. I am committed to serve as a liaison between parents/guardians, teachers, students, and the community to help children reach their highest potential and become productive citizens of tomorrow!

I primarily work from a strength-based perspective which emphasizes each individual's (in this case, young student's) existing strengths and resources available. I help students recognize these internal strengths so that they can feel empowered to view challenges as opportunities to learn and succeed.

Specific topics that I focus on covering each year include: bullying prevention, conflict resolution, time management, mindfulness and coping skills, self-esteem, career exploration, responsible decision making, social skills, self-awareness, and others.

What I do:

⁃ Individual counseling

⁃ Small group counseling

⁃ Character education lessons

⁃ Linking students and their families to appropriate resources and referrals

⁃ Observing students in various school environments

⁃ Providing immediate help in crisis situations

⁃ Advocacy

Below I have provided a list of some helpful resources and books to assist students and parents: