Counseling
Introduction/Mission of the Counseling Department
Welcome back to school! I hope your summer was full of relaxation and wonder. As we begin the 2023-2024 school year, I would like to remind you that the mission of the UAS Counseling Department is to help support the personal, social, emotional, and academic development of our students so that they become productive citizens and lifelong learners. Our goal is to promote student success by providing academic, career, personal, and social counseling.
As a cohesive team, the UAS Counseling Department would like to remind the greater UAS community of the following:
- The health and well-being of our school community is always at the forefront of any decisions we make at UAS. When preparing for learning, the mental wellness of our students, their families, and staff has been a strong consideration in the planning process.
- The school counselor is a trained professional who works as part of your child’s team. School counselors work in partnership with students, teachers, parents, and the community to help your child to have a successful and positive school experience.
- School counselors understand that each child is different. Some students just need someone to listen to their concerns, whereas others may need help in developing problem solving and decision-making skills. Whatever the concern, the school counselor is there to listen to your child and to help your child to feel safe and comfortable at school.
- Sometimes parents need support and guidance as well. School counselors are also trained to work with parents and can be seen as a great resource to parents and school staff.
Programs & Services
- Individual Counseling: Provide a supportive and confidential environment for students to work toward personal, social, emotional, and academic growth.
- Group Counseling: Group sessions may be offered to students, to help with sensitive issues such as Divorce, Grief, and improving Study Skills.
- Social Emotional Learning: Monthly topics may include: Anti-Bullying, Conflict Resolution, Careers, Self-Awareness, and other important topics.
- Transitional Support: Assist in orienting students as they move from Early Childhood to elementary school as well as from elementary school to middle school and middle school to high school.
- Academic Support and College Preparedness: Our High School Counselors and their academic support team help to ensure that our students are prepared for the next step in their academic and personal lives.
- Parent/Teacher Support: Consult with parents and teachers to develop appropriate academic and social supports needed for students’ personal and academic success.
If you or your child is worried or anxious at the start of school, be assured that this is a normal reaction. Continue having open conversations and allow yourselves and your children time to reflect on your/their emotions. Self-care begins with a healthy conversation. It is important to help your child talk about their feelings. Let them know that it is important to acknowledge when they are struggling with their emotions so they can better manage those feelings and let them pass without lingering negativity.
If you need additional support, please contact your child’s counselor.
Head of Counseling– Jane Al Sabah: janealsabah@uas.edu.kw
Early Childhood/School Psychologist- Nikhila Thomas: nikhilathomas@uas.edu.kw
Elementary- Lilian El Haddad: lilianelhaddad@uas.edu.kw
Middle School- Anjalika Kohli: anjalikakohli@uas.edu.kw
High School Social Emotional Counselor-Nourah AlKafif: nourahalkafif@uas.edu.kw
High School 9th/10th Grade- Jennifer Vukalic: jennifervukalic@uas.edu.kw
High School 11th/12th Grade- Deanne Byrd: deannebyrd@uas.edu.kw
Staff Wellness Counselor- Jane Al Sabah: janealsabah@uas.edu.kw