School Counseling

Phone: 704-296-3081

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Rene Katkowski

Hello! My name is Rene Katkowski and I am your child’s school counselor. I began working at Wesley Chapel in the fall of 2022 and immediately felt part of a strong, focused, and thriving community whose goal is your child’s academic and social/emotional success. Before becoming a school counselor I worked as an educational assistant and reading tutor in the general & special needs communities. As an educational support and advocate, I found a great reward in helping students and went on to earn my Master's Degree in Education - School Counseling with additional certifications in Grief & Trauma Response and Resilience. I am a member of the American School Counselor Association, North Carolina School Counselor Association and am a North Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor.

I believe a school counseling program should support the academic, career, and social/emotional developmental needs of students. This is best achieved with the collaboration of parents, families, staff, and community members who are engaged in the whole-life learning process. My school counseling program will adapt to each unique personality and rely on cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approaches with elements solution-focused, brief counseling to inform a short-termed, behavior-based, encouraging atmosphere and also guide character development. Additionally, growth-mindset methods reflect my ideals to guide students through challenging thinking, perceptions, and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and develop personal coping strategies.

My most honored title is “mom” and I am a proud parent of two teenagers, Sera and Jack. Sera was my introduction to neurodiversity (#fxsasd), advocacy and the success that can be accomplished when supportive measures and collaboration align. Jack keeps me busy with baseball (#catchermom) and also ensures my lingo stays current (#bet).  

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, rene.katkowski@ucps.k12.nc.us or 704-296-3081 x 4707. 

Confidentiality Statement

  • 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)