*Guidance Counselor*
By: Morgan Blechschmid and Chloe Rojak
March 17, 2022
Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Denise Smith! This year is Mrs. Smith’s ninth year of working as a guidance counselor in the Brooklyn City School District. Working here was her first and only job as a guidance counselor. Prior to this, Smith spent twenty-years working in the social service arena, where she spent half of her time working in a juvenile court diversion program and the other half working in foster and adoptive care. The last position she held was a medical social worker where she focused on working with youth who were diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Each position she held was centered and focused on children, similar to the advocating and supporting she does now for students and their families. Smith expresses how grateful she is for her past work experiences and the things she has learned along the way.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a guidance counselor?
A: “I love working with our students and their families! I am in my ninth year here at Brooklyn, and I love being able to say I know most students from K-12, with the exception of anyone who may be new. My favorite part is when I get to go into classrooms, have classroom guidance, and of course, lunch bunch groups. Getting to build those relationships and now seeing students using the skills that not only help them socially and emotionally but also allow them to prosper academically.”
Q: What is one piece of advice that you give to students, regardless of the situation they are in?
A: “Never give up; tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to do and be all you can be!”
Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration?
A: “Probably my parents. They always supported me. They were not perfect nor pretended to be. They were hard-working and believed in always doing your best and never giving up even when things got hard.”
Q: What are your goals as a guidance counselor?
A: “One of my goals is to make connections and build relationships with each and every student. The hope is to create a safe environment where they can come for support and guidance. Ultimately, my goal is to empower them with the skills necessary to be successful in that moment and throughout life.”
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: “I graduated from Cleveland State University with an undergraduate degree in Social Work and a graduate degree in Education.”
Q: What are your hobbies/interests?
A: “I love being outdoors, walking, swimming, and spending time with my family.”
Q: How would you describe yourself using only three words?
A: “Compassionate, Optimistic, and Passionate about the needs of children and my responsibility to help them.”
Q: Favorite movie of all time?
A: “Steel Magnolias: To me, it is cast with a powerhouse of strong women who support each other throughout life’s journey!”
Thank you for your responses, Mrs. Smith. And, thank you for helping all students reach their maximum potential.
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 