Hello My Name Is...
Tessa Solberg
I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Ms. Solberg and I am the new school counselor at Westby Area Middle School!
My goal is to provide equitable support to every student here in the middle school. I do this in three ways. First, by teaching 5th and 6th grade guidance classes, 7th grade Life Skills classes, and 8th grade Careers classes. Being in the classroom allows me to get to know each student and give the opportunity to create systemic change. Secondly, I use teacher and principal feedback, observations, and available data to create small counseling groups. I try to run a minimum of two small groups a semester based on the current needs of the student population. Lastly, I meet with students individually. This can be due to the student seeking me out, day to day observations, or the referral of loved ones (parents, friends, teachers, or principal). All in all, I am here for the students of Westby Area Middle School and will do my best to provide consistent, equitable support to all.
Currently, I hold a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from Viterbo University. In addition to this degree, I will be completing my Master's of Science in Counselor Education at Winona State University in the next few months. Throughout the school year I will finish my last couple of courses, including field experience which I am earning right here in Westby under the supervision of Christy Tainter, the High School Counselor, Mike Weninger, the Middle School Principal, and a Winona State professor. This community has been more than kind and welcoming and I am excited to serve in this position.
I have links to my monthly newsletter "Counselor Connection" so you can stay up to date on what I am teaching in my 5th and 6th grade guidance classes, 7th grade Life Skills class, and 8th grade Careers class. If you have any questions or concerns about the content, please contact me!
Additionally, if you feel your student needs extra support here at school, please send me an email with your concerns. I will do what I can. If you believe that an outside mental health counselor would be beneficial for your student's overall health, I have connections with Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers in Cashton. These therapy sessions can take place here in school during the school day for convenience. Please follow the link on the side bar to the left or email me and I can connect you to this resource.
Thank you for visiting my website! I hope I can be a support to you and this community during my years here. I wish you the best!