Counseling

How can your school counselor help?

Classroom Lessons:

Whole class lessons with the Counselors are held once every 5 weeks.
Fourth and Fifth grade will have a few extra lessons later in the year in order to be sure all
requirements are met. Topics for these lessons are based on the Gwinnett County Public Schools Counseling Standards and Competencies and include topics such as study skills, conflict resolution, impulse control, safety, empathy, and test-taking skills.

Small Group Counseling:

Groups meet weekly for approximately six weeks to solve or cope
with concerns that may affect school performance. Group participation is voluntary, and parents will be notified.

Individual Counseling:

Individual students meet briefly with a Counselor if needed to discuss coping with concerns that affect their daily life. Teachers, administrators or parents may make referrals. Students may also refer themselves. If needed, the Counselors can provide parents with a list of resources for counseling outside of the school. We consult with you and come up with a plan on how we can best support your child. Feel free to reach out to one of us via email or phone. Our voicemails are confidential, so don’t hesitate to leave me a message if we are unable
to answer at the time you call us. Do you need mental health or financial resources for your child, your family, or yourself? See the attached resources, and please know that your child’s well-being is of utmost importance to us and to all the staff at Dyer ES.

Links on e-Class: 

Melody Ellis

Mrs. Ellis graduated from Albany State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2013, she earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Cambridge College. Along with twenty-one years of authentic teaching experience, Mrs. Ellis is also endorsed in ESOL and Gifted Education. She has been with Gwinnett County Public Schools since 2015. Mrs. Ellis loves helping students realize the possibilities through their own goal setting. It is her passion!  

Brooke Young

Ms. Young is a recent graduate from the University of the Southwest with a Master’s in School Counseling. Brooke was born and raised in the small coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia where her favorite pastime was spending time on the beach. She moved to the Gwinnett County area in 2021 and enjoys spending time outside and going for long walks. She has been with Gwinnett County since 2021 and in education since 2008. She is excited to be joining the Dyer Elementary team and looks forward to serving this community. 

The Dyer Elementary School Counselors believe that all students can learn and maintains a diligent focus on academic, personal/social and career development. We assert that all students have a right to be served by the school counseling department and that the needs of every student are best addressed by a research-based data-driven comprehensive program led by competent, ethical, effective school counselors. Students should have access to a school counselor for both preventative measures and intervention as needed. We adhere to the belief that a counseling program should be evaluated and improved on a continual basis in order to adapt to and assist students as they develop and mature in an ever-changing society.

We envision success for all students in the personal/social, academic and career domains and that with a comprehensive counseling plan that has both prevention and intervention aspects, all children will achieve success in school and be prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.

We strive to remove barriers to academic achievement, promote a safe and secure environment through prevention programs, provide staff and parent consultation and conduct effective individual counseling, group sessions and classroom lessons.

There are many great resources located around Dyer Elementary. Please use this Google Map link to explore local resources.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

• Coping Skills for Kids: https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids
• Strong 4 Life: https://www.strong4life.com/en/emotional-wellness
• GCAL (Georgia Crisis and Access Line): 1-800-715- 4225 https://www.georgiacollaborative.com/%20providers/georgia-crisis-and-access-line-gcal/
• Partnership for Domestic Violence: https://padv.org/contact/
• 24-hour crisis line: 404- 873-1766
• National Alliance of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Home
• Find a therapist (if you have insurance, be sure to check coverage): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/georgia?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI26mz6oSV8gIVVMyzCh1_EQYCEAAYAiAAEgKPO_D_BwE

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

• Gwinnett CARES: https://www.cfneg.org/gwinnettcares/?fbc...p@XvtcLI6a6L9Vj5aTB1Pc9TI
• Gwinnett Help Line: 770-995-3339
• United Way Help Line: 211
• Child care referrals/support: https://www.qualitycareforchildren.org/
• St. Vincent de Paul: https://www.svdpgeorgia.org/who-we-are/contact-us/get-help/
• HomeFirst Gwinnett (housing resource) https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/program/homefirst-gwinnett/

Food resources:

• Food Finder: www.foodfinder.us
• Lawrenceville Co-Op (serving those who live in Lawrenceville/Dacula)—https://lawrencevilleco-op.org
• Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church— https://hmumc.org/thepantry
• Free/reduced lunch form for Gwinnett County Public Schools: https://www.nlappscloud.com/Welcome.aspx?api=78f8fee54716f21218e523747d37a13c#loaded