If your want your child to speak with a counselor, fill out the counseling referral form. 

Philosophy

The counselors at Weddington Middle School believe that all students should be treated with dignity and respect, and have the right to participate in the school counseling program which is planned and coordinated by full-time, state-certified, master's degree level school counselors. We believe that the needs of all students at Weddington Middle School should be addressed when planning and implementing the school counseling program.

We believe the counselors should abide by the ethical standards as advocated by the American School Counselor Association. We believe the counselors should pursue opportunities to develop their professional competencies to ensure the provision of a quality school counseling program.

Mission Statement

Our mission in the Weddington Middle School Counseling office is to provide services that will support and enhance the personal growth and development of our students. Services offered are tailored to assist students in meeting their personal goals while maintaining the high standards of Union County Public Schools.

School counselors are professional school advocates who provide support to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with other educators, parents/ guardians and the community, Weddington Middle School Counselors facilitate the support system to enable all students at Weddington to experience educational success. We provide professional services in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development. Through the school counseling program, students are given the opportunity to become successful learners, responsible citizens, and productive members of a global society.

There are any number of reasons for children to seek out a counselor at school. The times that we live in can be difficult and stressful. Many personal and school related problems have a direct impact on a child's ability to learn. School counselors provide a safe, confidential environment for all students.

The school counselor has a very unique role in the school. They are often responsible for a wide variety of activities and services. Among other things, school counselors are available to:

• talk to students individually and in groups about their educational, personal, and social concerns
• aid teachers and parents in helping children
• assist in crisis situations
• help students develop self-understanding and self-esteem
• plan and implement various classroom activities
• coordinate the North Carolina End of Grade Testing program
• act as a consultant and referral source between school, parents, and community
• coordinate efforts with other school person
• maintain confidentiality (in most cases)
  

Stephanie Buehler (A-G)

Stephanie Buehler, originally from Richmond, VA is excited to be vhere at Weddington Middle School. She has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in human development, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She went on to receive her Master of Science (MS) Degree in counselor education, from Radford University. Prior to coming to Weddington Middle, she worked in Virginia for 8 years, providing mental health services in the community. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American School Counselor Association, the North Carolina School Counselor Association, and is currently pursuing licensure, as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is excited to start this new adventure and is looking forward to assisting students in areas such as career development, academic achievement, and social development.Set up an appointment with Ms. Buehler.

Ashley Elsaesser (H-P)

Ashley Elsaesser is originally from Oriskany, NY. Before coming to Weddington Middle, she worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and in New York State for 5 years.  She is a member of the American School Counselor Association, North Carolina School Counselor Association and is a North Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor. She is passionate about her work with students, and welcomes you to email her with any questions or concerns. Set up an appointment with Ms. Elsaesser.

Josh Levett (Q-Z)

Josh Levett grew up in Clayton, NC and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from N.C. State.  He attended East Carolina University for his graduate degree in Counseling Education.  As a a member of the American School Counselor Association and the North Carolina School Counselor Association, Mr. Levett is thrilled to join this school community! He's eager to support students in navigating their academic journeys, discovering their passions and building skills that they need for success. Set up an appointment with Mr. Levett.

School counselors recognize their primary obligation for confidentiality is to the student but balance that obligation with an understanding of the family or guardians’ legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives (ASCA Code of Ethics).

The role of the school counselor in regards to confidentiality is:

• To support the students right to privacy and protect confidential information received from students, the family, guardian and staff members
• To explain the meaning and limits of confidentiality to students in developmentally appropriate terms
• To provide appropriate disclosure and informed consent regarding the counseling relationship and confidentiality
• To inform students and the family of the limits to confidentiality when: Student poses a danger to self or others, Court ordered disclosure, Consultation with other professionals in support of the student i.e. colleagues, supervisors, treatment teams, and other support personnel
• To keep personal notes separate from educational records and not disclose their contents except when privacy exceptions exist
• To seek guidance from supervisors and appropriate legal advice when their records are subpoenaed
• To assert their belief that information shared by students is “confidential” and should not be revealed without the student’s consent
• To adhere to all laws protecting student records, health information, and special services (i.e., HIPAA, FERPA, IDEA)