School Counseling Services

Overview of the Department's Services

The school counseling program in the Springfield Public Schools is designed to be comprehensive in scope and developmental in nature. Students develop competencies in academic, career and personal/social development.  Every student receives the program’s benefits as it is an integral part of each student’s total educational program.

The services of the department are designed to meet the needs of students and parents at different stages of development.  In the elementary buildings school, counselors facilitate weekly classroom sessions.  These lessons are supplemented by small group counseling to address the needs of specific students, respond to specific individual needs, and referrals for families who need additional counseling services.

At Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School the school counselors work with students individually, in small groups and in the classroom. The curriculum focuses on successful adjustment to middle school and personal/social topics that are developmentally relevant to young adolescents.  Eighth graders receive assistance with transition to high school.

At the high school level, successful post-secondary placement is the focus of school counseling.  Beginning with eighth-grade registration, the counselor works closely with students and parents throughout high school.  Emphasis is placed on individualized services to meet the needs of the learner as he/she works to accomplish his/her goals.  By establishing a close personal relationship with the student, the counselor is able to provide effective assistance in post-secondary planning.  Academic progress is monitored closely, and career and college plans are developed.  Individual conferences are the primary method of delivery; however, small and large group counseling sessions are important components of the program.

The Student Assistance Counselor has the responsibility of responding to identified problems, preventing future problems and promoting positive and healthy behaviors for students in the middle and in high school.  The SAC works in cooperation with school personnel, counselors, parents, and students in assisting with crisis intervention, early identification,  and supportive individual counseling for students who are at risk for substance abuse or showing signs of other emotional, social, legal, medical and/or familial problems.

Contact Your School Counselor

School counselors are available to assist students and parents at all grade levels.  Please contact the counselor if you have questions or concerns:

Name	School	Extension	Email
Renee Marcinczuk	EVW	2515	rmarcinczuk@springfieldschools.com
William Douma	FMG	1516	wdouma@springfieldschools.com
Maria Sista	FMG	1515	msista@springfieldschools.com
Adrianna Oliveira	JC	4515	adoliveira@springfieldschools.com
Jackie Ritter	JDHS	5520	jritter@springfieldschools.com
Darlene Hill	JDHS	5518	dhill@springfieldschools.com
Stephanie Renelle	JDHS	5519	srenelle@springfieldschools.com
Lillian Abadir Chou	JDHS - 8th Grade Academy	5521	lchou@springfieldschools.com
Marie Purcell	TLS	3020	mpurcell@springfieldschools.com
Ashleigh Norton	Therapeutic Support Specialist	5522	anorton@springfieldschools.com
Kim Cieri	JDHS Guidance Department Secretary	5517	kcieri@springfieldschools.com
Sofia Paragioudakis	JDHS Guidance Secretary, PK-12 Registrar	5516	sparagioudakis@springfieldschools.com

 

 

Wellness Resources

Please click THIS link to be directed to a listing of community mental health resources.  

Please click THIS link to find resources for parent/guardian(s) to use in talking to children and teens about trauma/violence. 

 

Wellness Programs

Below you will find recordings of previously held wellness programs that are accessible to view at your convenience: 

Bullies To Buddies Webinar: Presented by Connie Palmer, LCSW (5/7/25)

Supporting Emotional Wellness in Children & Adolescents: Presented by Ashleigh Norton & Union County DCYS (9/30/25)