By Jenna Poppell

This year, new Middle and Upper School Counselor, Darcy Paré, is hosting “Coffee With the Counselor”, an event held once a month where she meets with the students and parents of Oak Hall School. The meetings are at 7:45 a.m. in the Upper School Media Center.

During these meetings, Paré discusses important topics she feels are beneficial to the students. “Some of the topics I may present on include, but are not limited to, helping students with depression or anxiety, online safety, reducing the stigma of mental health, or any topics requested,” she said. Earlier this year, Paré sent a survey to Oak Hall’s student body to figure out what Oak Hall students struggle understanding, and need help with. She saw a pattern that students were not sure what a school counselor does and does not do, so she decided that she would go over this during her first meeting.

“I thought this event would be helpful to build rapport, clarify my role, and answer any questions students/parents have,” she noted. “In these events, I would hope to get feedback on what other needs or areas of interest students/parents have,” Paré continued.

Paré, who has dual master degrees in education, and education specialist in mental health counseling, will use the feedback she gets to build on what goes into future “Coffee With the Counselor” events. The next event is on Tuesday, Jan. 20.