SUPPORTING EVERY STUDENT AT EVERY STEP
Celebrating National School Counseling Week and the counselors who amplify MPCS student success
Each year, National School Counseling Week invites us to pause and celebrate the educators who walk closely with our students through every season of growth. From listening and encouraging to guiding and advocating, our counselors play a vital role in helping students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. This year’s theme, School Counselors Amplify Student Success, reflects the meaningful ways our counselors elevate, support, and champion each student’s journey.
In recognition of National School Counseling Week 2026, we are proud to spotlight the five members of our counseling team who work daily to amplify student success across our school community. Read on for a short Q&A with our MPCS counselors - we'll be updating this post with a new member of the counseling team each day this week:
Jennifer Scott, Director of Counseling
- What is your favorite part of being a counselor at MPCS?
My favorite part of being a counselor at MPCS is the opportunity to deeply know our students and families. Given the size of our community, it is much easier to know the hearts and minds of our kids and intuit when one of them is having a 'handle with care' moment. Our teachers do such a great job of doing this work as well.
- How do you hope students feel after spending time with you?
I hope that they feel seen, heard and understood. I also hope that they feel empowered to know that they have what it takes to handle life's bumps and that their contributions to this community really do matter.
- How does faith shape the way you support and care for students?
After working at a Christian school for 15 years, I don't know if I could ever go back to not being able to overtly pray with and for students. I honestly don't know how anyone does this job without daily prayer--seeking humility, wisdom and guidance. I truly feel blessed to work in an environment where we get to learn and grow with other believers while we teach kids. It is often reciprocal.
- If your job as a counselor had a theme song, what would it be?
I am terrible at these types of questions! Honestly anything by Mumford & Sons would probably be a good fit.
- If you could spend a day as a student again, which class would you be most excited to go to and why?
I was an English major in college, so I would love to sit around and talk about British novels and poetry again. That sounds like heaven.
Andy Morrison, MPCS Upper School College Counselor
- What is your favorite part of being a college counselor at MPCS?
I believe, wholeheartedly, in the importance of self-exploration within the college search. I love being able to support students along the journey and witness the growth that happens.
- How do you hope students feel after spending time with you?
I hope students feel supported and encouraged when they spend time with me. I realize nothing they work on with me gets them a grade in a class. It is a situation where they get out what they put into it. I want that time and effort to be fruitful in the next stage of their lives.
- How does faith shape the way you support and care for students?
While the initial focus for a student's college search might be more external, I really challenge students to internalize it. College, and the search for the right one, is a journey. It is one that will be met with challenges and uncertainty. The most important thing is to stay connected with God and keep the focus on the path he has for you. When the Angel of the Lord came to Mary and Joseph with the news about the important journey God had for them, they were confused and terrified. In the end, they were strong through all the turmoil and were blessed for the strength and belief that they were on the right path, one that would lead to the eventual saving of humanity. God is calling each of us to do something specific. He has a special purpose for everyone and the search for the right college is the beginning of the journey to realize that call.
- If your job as a counselor had a theme song, what would it be
My theme song would be "Pressing On" by Relient K. Music is a passion of mine and God truly speaks to me through songs to which I am listening. Every inch of the song talks about the value in trusting God and the purpose he has for your life. The most meaningful lyrics in the song are "You look down on me, but you don't look down on me at all / You smile and you laugh, and I feel the love you have for me / I think we're going somewhere / We're on to something good here, and we're going to make it after all."
- If you could spend a day as a student again, which class would you be most excited to go to and why?
If I could spend one more day as a student, I would love to go to any history class. History is a subject I have developed a love for later in life. I often tell myself I wish I would have worked harder in those classes and even taken that deeper in college.
- What advice do you most often share with students as they are selecting the next steps (college) in their educational careers?
"It is not about where you get in, it is about where you fit in!" It is kind of my motto.
Diane Nardella, MPCS Upper School Counselor
- What is your favorite part of being a school counselor at MPCS?
Helping students from the basics of improving their day or being a soft landing place, all the way up to helping them achieve their goals of going to the college they are excited about.
- How do you hope students feel after spending time with you?
Seen, heard, supported, encouraged.
- How does faith shape the way you support and care for students?
I believe God has a plan for each and every one of us. I constantly tell our students that while we cannot sometimes see that plan, He knows what it is and is FOR us. And, they will all end up exactly where they are supposed to be
- If your job as a school counselor had a theme song, what would it be?
"Just Breathe" by Anna Nalick. I say this multiple times a day.
- If you could spend a day as a student again, which class would you be most excited to go to and why?
I have not been in high school in more than 35 years, so I barely remember those classes. But if I could be a high school student HERE for a day, it would be hands down AP Art History with Clay Kelsh. Both of my kids took that class and absolutely loved it.
- What advice do you most often share with students as they prepare for life beyond high school?
First of all - Do not wish away your senior year! Be present, and live in the moment, because you will NEVER get that year back. Also, when I write letters to every one of them at graduation, I always say, "Remember that we love you, and don't forget to call your mom."
Missy Curtis, MPCS Middle School Counselor
- How do you hope students feel after spending time with you?
I hope students feel encouraged, refreshed, and grounded - safe to be themselves, heard without judgement - with a renewed sense of peace.
- How does faith shape the way you support and care for students?
Faith shapes the way I support students by guiding me to be fully present with them, following Jesus’ example of compassion, listening, and care. I also commit to praying for students regularly, trusting God to work in their lives beyond our time together.
- If your job as a school counselor had a theme song, what would it be?
A couple of songs that come to mind with a message of hope and you are not alone:
"Lean on me" by Bill Withers. It's one of my favorites.
"I will carry you" by Ellie Holcomb. I know Ellie from my Young Life days and her faith carried through in her music is powerful.
- If you could spend a day as a student again, which class would you be most excited to go to and why?
Art class! I love every aspect of art and have been painting and creating pottery for years. I still find myself sneaking into Mrs. Delgado’s class when I can, encouraging students and celebrating what they’re creating.
- What is one challenge middle school students face today, and how do you help them navigate it?
One challenge many middle school students face is navigating friendships. Bringing students together to talk things through in a safe, supportive setting often helps restore understanding and connection. In my guidance lessons, I help students work through conflict by recognizing when situations are escalating and choosing de-escalation strategies such as healthy communication, active listening, and finding compromises. It is rewarding to watch students apply these skills and successfully work through their struggles as they grow and develop throughout middle school.
Thank you, Missy, for all your contibutions to the lives of our middle schoolers!
Jenna Hecht, MPCS Lower School Counselor
- What is your favorite part of being a school counselor at MPCS?
I love being able to integrate my faith with evidence-based interventions and strategies. At Pisgah, I feel free to be my full, authentic self. I am supported to be an excellent counselor all while pointing students to The Wonderful Counselor.
- How do you hope students feel after spending time with you?
My hope is that students feel seen, known, and loved. I want students to feel they have a safe place to process and seek guidance.
- How does faith shape the way you support and care for students?
Christ is not only the Wonderful Counselor, but He has also provided guidance through His Word for how we are to live and interact with others. It is remarkable how research on emotional and mental well-being ultimately aligns with Scripture. The more I immerse myself in His Word, the more I am guided in how to help and serve others well.
- If your job as a school counselor had a theme song, what would it be?
"You've Got a Friend In Me" from Toy Story. I'm here to support, listen, and guide. My hope is that all students and families can leave saying "I am known, I am loved, and I belong."
- If you could spend a day as a student again, which class would you be most excited to go to and why?
I loved math class. I loved having a clear right or wrong answer. It's also probably because math was my best subject.
- What is your favorite way to help younger students talk about big feelings?
A lot of my training has been in play therapy. I believe utilizing play is not only effective when working with preschool and elementary aged students, but it is also the most engaging way to build connections and promote meaningful growth.
Thank you, Jenna, for all you do!