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About UsCanadian School Counselling WeekCCPA School Counselling AwardChapter BusinessResources

Canadian School Counselling Week

Who We Are and How We Help

February 6 – 10, 2023

Canadian School Counselling Week
February 6‐10, 2023

Canadian School Counselling Week (Feb 6-10, 23) recognizes the contributions of the School Counselling profession to the personal, social, educational, and career development of students at all grade levels.  School Counsellors are instrumental in supporting the mental health and well-being of children and youth in Canada.

School Counsellors support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students.

School Counsellors intervene when additional supports are required for students’ mental health, academic outcomes, and overall well-being.

School Counsellors advocate for students to help them reach their goals in a safe and inclusive school environment.

Click here to access the event’s key messages

The event: School Counsellors are invited to join in the celebration of the Canadian School Counselling Week, Feb. 6‐10, 2023. The School Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association organizes this special recognition week. Canadian School Counselling Week is part of a North American focus on the school counselling profession.

The Goal: The goal of Canadian School Counselling Week is to increase the public’s awareness of the scope of programs and services that characterize the school counselling profession in Canada within the twenty‐first century and beyond. This special week will highlight the role school counsellors play in supporting student success. It will also build a sense of national identity within the School Counselling Profession.

Show your support: Whether you’re a school counsellor, teacher, principal, superintendent, union representative or other educational support staff, you’re invited to show you’re support for School Counsellors by sharing this webpage and the resources below with your colleagues, leadership and across your communities.

School Counselling Award

To recognize the work of exceptional School Counsellors and acknowledge their personal and professional commitment to the profession. Click the award title to access application criteria and process.

 

Resources

Certificate of Appreciation

Sample Daily Announcements

Canadian School Counselling Week Poster

School Counselling in Nova Scotia Poster

Shareables for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

Join us in celebrating Canadian School Counselling Week, February 6th to 10th 2023!

A week to recognize the contributions of the School Counselling Profession to the personal, social, educational and career development, and the mental health and wellbeing, of all students in Canada.

About Us

As school counsellors, we believe that opportunities for attaining emotional health and mental well-being are at the heart of learning. The school counselling profession supports the personal, social, academic, and career development of students in order to provide children and youth with the opportunity to achieve their true potential.  It is with this vision for our students that we strive to build a national identity within our profession.

 

History

The CCPA School Counsellors Chapter was founded in 2000. The Chapter communicates with its’ membership through newsletters and holds their Annual General Meetings in conjunction with CCPA’s National Conference in May. In 2003, a Chapter logo was developed which is based on the philosophy in their constitution, draws on the beliefs that together we can take flight, there is solidarity in our diversity and that as an interactive member of CCPA we have a stronger national presence and voice.

Chapter Brochure

The Chapter objectives are:

  • To provide an opportunity for school counsellors to meet for discussion of critical issues in the area of school counselling.
  • To provide a forum for ongoing information exchange and professional development (skill and knowledge based).
  • To serve as a vehicle for lobbying appropriate university departments and faculties, governments and agencies to help school counselling programs meet their primary goal of preparing professionally competent school counsellors.
  • To provide a means by which school counsellors can help one another to develop and obtain research support provincially and federally through increased collaboration.
  • To serve as a direct link with the National Association, thereby providing for the presentation of mutually sought aims and objectives.

Executive

Janice Graham-Migel (NS)

President
Janice Graham-Migel (NS)

Janice Graham-Migel, PhD, RCT, CCC, CCC-S is President of the School Counsellors Chapter and Chair of the National School Counselling Committee.  She previously served a two-year term as School Counsellor Liaison with the CCPA Nova Scotia Chapter and eight years on the Executive of the Nova Scotia School Counsellors Association (Director, Vice President, President, and Past President).  Janice is currently serving a second term on the CERIC Practical and Academic Research Committee.  In 2008, Janice completed a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto. She holds a BSA, BEd, and a Master of Arts in Education (Educational Psychology) from Mount Saint Vincent University. Janice is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor – Supervisor through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and a Registered Counselling Therapist through the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. A member of CCPA since 1995, Janice was the recipient of the CCPA Counsellor Practitioner Award in 1999, the CCPA Counsellor Leadership Award in 2014, and the CCPA School Counselling Award in 2015.  She has worked as a school counsellor at all levels within the Halifax Regional School Board (elementary, junior high, and senior high) and is currently a school counsellor at Ridgecliff Middle School. Janice holds an Adjunct Professor appointment at Acadia University where she teaches graduate courses part-time in the School of Education.  Janice’s research and practice concentrate on Comprehensive Guidance and Counselling Programs and Distributed Leadership, as well as collaboration between education and health in the context of school reform.

Lisa Cheyne-Zanyk (SK)

Past President

Lisa Cheyne-Zanyk is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.   Lisa works full-time as a school counsellor with the Living Sky School Division (K-Gr. 12) and part-time in private practice.  Lisa also teaches yoga and mindfulness meditation.  Lisa has a love of learning and seeks opportunities to grow personally and professionally.  Lisa believes that people are resilient, able to change and adapt, often having untapped inner strength.  Lisa has enjoyed being part of the School Counsellors Chapter Executive as Treasurer, Secretary, and President and values the connections she has made through these roles.  She is excited to take on the role of Past President this year.

Anne Madore (NB)

Vice-President

Anne Madore, CCC, has been a Member of CCPA since 2017, a member of the School Counselor Chapter, the Counselor Educator Chapter, and a member of the Private Practice Chapter since 2019, from which she developed her Private Practice named “Connecting Health Solutions with Psychotherapy.” She is working to become a supervisor for CCPA in order to give her diverse experience and skills to other counselors. Anne also plans to become a license therapist from the province of N.B. She is looking forward to a Future Publication of a Research Paper title “Promoting Resiliency and Building Strengths Based Approach for High School Students. Anne is part of the Honor Society Organization since 2017, member of the chorus at church for several years and she is completely bilingual, speaking French and English. Anne obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Husson University in 1994, a BS in Health Education from University of Maine of Presque Isle in 2000, M. Ed (Counselling) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2017 and graduated with honors. From this she has received her Teaching Certificate VI and her Interim Principal Certificate. Furthermore, she received her EECD Guidance Counselor Certificate in 2017 and is part of the ASCA since 2012. She was also a NBTA School Representative for AWSD in 2018. With Anne diverse experience and education she was also recognized and received her certificate from NPAQ in 2019, from which she can apply her Health Coaching skills, Counseling and Nursing skills. Anne has worked as a Professional Teacher, a Director, a Coordinator, and a representative for several committees and associations for more than 20 years. She has been a Professional Teacher for over 15 years in both N.B and in USA. She was a Student Representative for the Diversity Committee (1999) at UMPI and provided community services for the homeless, as well as seminars for high school students on drugs and alcohol awareness. Anne has also worked in the Health care field for over 12 years. She has worked for the Anglophone West School District in N.B, worked as an Administrator at a Primary Health Program/ Facility Manager for Horizon Health in 2015, a Director of the Recovery & Reentry Program for FNA Behavioral Heath in Fairbanks Alaska from 2012-2015. Anne was also a Health Safety & Nutrition Coordinator for Thrive Alaska Head Start from 2010-2012, a CPR / AED and a First Aid Instructor from 2011- 2016. With Anne devotion to help others, she has donated ten inches of her hair in 2014 for the Lock of Love association. This is an association to help children with their hair loss during cancer. This gesture was implied for the development of wigs and to increase children moral during the time of sickness. In addition, Anne was the Regional Chairperson for Figure Skating Development Committee. Anne has worked as a nurse at the Borderview Manner in 1994 in Van Buren, Maine. She has also organized health seminars on sport nutrition, motivation, and controlling stress for the athletes in our region of N.B (2000-2002). Not to forget she was an Administrator / Manager of her own Apartment Building Complex (1987 to 1998). Anne is still working as a Professional teacher, developing her private practice and continues to be active in several organizations. Her favorite saying and belief is that “Everyone can accomplish their goals by working hard and by always believing in themselves.”

Julie Lindsay (NS / International)

Treasurer
Julie Lindsay (NS / International)

Julie Lindsay is a high school counselor at the American School of Bombay. She has spent 25 years working in international schools in locations like Japan, Syria, China, the Philippines, and most recently, India.  She is a certified counselor, originally from Nova Scotia, that loves bringing mindfulness education and support to adolescents, particularly Third Culture Kids (TCKs).  Most recently, Julie has been involved in the development of advisory programs in partnership with SEE Learning, helping students and teachers explore and develop their strengths and resilience. Julie is a professional member of ISCA and IACAC and is appreciative of the opportunity to serve with the school counselors in the CCPA executive group. Julie holds a graduate degree in Education from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Master’s degree in International Counseling from Lehigh University.  Julie has two grown children that have travelled the world with her keeping her humble, grounded, resilient, and learning everyday. 

Melissa Falconer (NB)

Secretary

Melissa Falconer is a Member of CCPA and the School Counselor Chapter. She is currently completing her Masters of Education in Counselling from the University of New Brunswick. As a New Brunswick teacher, Melissa embarked on this educational endeavor after a career opportunity opened her eyes to the world of school counselling. As she puts it, “I finally felt as though I was where I was supposed to be.”

Melissa began her teaching career in Nova Scotia following completion of a Bachelor of Arts (Honours in History and Subsidiary in Mathematics) degree from Saint Francis Xavier University (2001) and a Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree from Mount Saint Vincent University (2007). She also holds a Masters of Education (Elementary and Middle School Education) from Mount Saint Vincent University (2013). Melissa states that she has a passion for learning and can often be found attending conferences, completing educational courses, or seeking collaborative learning opportunities.

Having previously sat on her local union executive as Member-at-Large and Resolutions Committee Chair, Melissa recognizes the enjoyment that she gets collaborating with other professionals at the executive level and finding ways in which she can contribute to her profession and support her peers. She is passionate about teacher wellness, preventing compassion fatigue in school staff as well as supporting and engaging students by fostering positive relationships and social-emotional wellness within schools.

Carol-Anne Haring (AB)

Member-at-Large

Belinda Josephson (NS)

Member-At-Large

Belinda Josephson M.Ed., RCT, CCC is presently serving a two -year term as the Treasurer of the School Counsellors Chapter and School Liaison of Nova Scotia Chapter. She has been Past President of both School Counsellors Chapter and Nova Scotia Chapters.

Belinda holds a B.A. and B.Ed. as well as 2 Master of Education degrees. She holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and an M. Ed.  in Counselling. She also holds an M.A. (with thesis) in Educational Administration.  She is a Registered Counselling Therapist through the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. A member of CCPA since 1995, Belinda was the recipient of the CCPA Counsellor Practitioners Award in 2017 and CCPA School Counselling Award 2018. She has worked as a teacher, school counsellor and administrator at all levels of education in the South Shore Regional School Board in Bridgewater, NS for 34 years. She has been a lecturer at Acadia University where she taught education students. Belinda’s has conducted research on Women in Education and Student Leadership.

Danielle Savage (MB)

Member-at-Large

Margot Beech Kennedy (ON)

Member-at-Large
Margot Beech Kennedy (ON)

Margot Beech Kennedy is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the CCPA. She has participated on the Executive of the School Counsellor Chapter since 2017, serving as both Member-at-Large and Secretary. She finds the companionship, passion, dedication, and resources of the School Counsellors Chapter to be inspiring and energizing. After 30 years of working in independent schools in the Greater Toronto Area, Margot retired in 2020, but she hasn’t retired from counselling and psychotherapy! She continues to support children and their parents in her private therapy practice in Toronto.

Aron Reusch (BC)

Member-At-Large

Celeste Alberga (QC)

Member-At-Large

Boyd Perry (NL)

Member-at-Large

Boyd is an experienced school counsellor of over 20 years, holding degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has expertise in the field of adolescent and child counselling dealing with a variety of issues.  Working with families to address the myriad of issues facing children of all ages has been his passion and focus throughout his counselling career.  Additionally, he is an ardent advocate for mental health and a leader within the counselling community.  He has held leadership positions with the Newfoundland and Labrador Counsellors’ and Psychologists’ Association (NLCPA), the Community Coalition for Mental Health (CC4MH), the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and the Federation of Associations of Counselling Therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador (FACT-NL).  Boyd is also a sessional instructor with the Faculty of Education at Memorial University where he has taught courses in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Inclusion, Special Education and School Counselling.

Katelyn Munn (NB)

Board Liaison
Katelyn Munn (NB)

Stay tuned for updates

Package – Canadian School Counselling Week

2023 Canadian School Counselling Week Introduction

Archived Canadian School Counselling Week Poster

School Counselling in Nova Scotia Poster

Affiche des conseillers d’orientation en Nouvelle-Écosse

CCPA’s School Counselling Award

School Guidance Counsellors Poster, NB

Sample Material – Canadian School Counselling Week

Proclamation

Press Release

Certificate of Appreciation

Sample Daily Announcements

Please note that the above documentation has been adapted with permission from resources provided by the American School Counselor Association, in collaboration with the School Counsellors Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Social Media Kit

Shareables for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn

Shareables for Instagram

The Canadian School Counselling Week poster above may be downloaded from the Chapter website or the following companies may be contacted directly to place an order for printing and shipping of posters:
ROCKET (formerly Bounty Print Ltd.)
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Telephone:  1-888-498-2011 / 902-453-0300 / 902-497-2426
Contact:  Aubrey Graham
[email protected]
Banks Printing
Ottawa, Ontario
Telephone:  613-863-9003
Contact:  Trevor Banks
[email protected]

CCPA School Counselling Award

The School Counselling Award is awarded by the School Counsellors Chapter to recognize the work of exceptional School Counsellors and acknowledge their personal and professional commitment to the profession.

To apply, read our application criteria and fill out the application form.

Congratulations to Lisa Cheyne-Zanyk who is the recipient of the 2022 CCPA School Counselling Award!

2022 – Lisa Cheyne-Zanyk

The CCPA School Counsellor Award recognizes exceptional work and professional commitment to the profession.  In 2022, Lisa Cheyne-Zanyk received this award.  Janice Graham-Migel, Chapter President, thanked Lisa for all the work she has done over the years in support and leadership of the school counselling profession.  Lisa is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of Calgary.   Lisa works full-time as a school counsellor with the Living Sky School Division (K-Gr. 12) and part-time in private practice.  Lisa teaches yoga and mindfulness meditation.  Lisa is also a part-time instructor for Lakeland College.  She has a love of learning and seeks opportunities to grow personally and professionally.  Lisa believes that people are resilient and able to change and adapt, often having untapped inner strength.  Lisa has enjoyed being part of the School Counsellors Chapter Executive as Treasurer, Secretary, and President and values the connections she has made through these roles.  She is presently in the role of Past President.

2020 – Gerard Lowe

Gerard is a School Counsellor at Corner Brook Regional High, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland.  Gerard was chosen for his commitment to improving the lives of students, developing community initiatives for youth at risk, and advocating for changes to help youth experiencing barriers in their lives.  Gerard has also provided supervision to interns on a regular basis, demonstrating leadership that helps the counselling profession maintain core competencies and grow.

Due to the pandemic and the cancellation of the 2020 CCPA conference in Edmonton, we were not able to celebrate in person the 2020 CCPA Awards.  We look forward to celebrating Gerard Lowe’s 2020 School Counselling Award and the 2021 School Counselling Award at the virtual CCPA Awards Event in May, 2021.

2019 – Belinda Josephson
2018 – Natalie Doucette
2017 – Trent Langdon
2016 – David Paterson
2015 – Janice Graham-Migel

Chapter Business

Constitution and Bylaws

The Chapter’s bylaws are a set of rules that control the actions of its members and govern the internal management of the Chapter.

Resources

Mental Health Commission of Canada (2020). Lockdown Life Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Youth in Canada.
Redekopp, D. & Huston, (2020). Strengthening Mental Health Through Effective Career Development.
Savage, D. (2020). Can overworked school counsellors ethically meet student needs? CERIC.
Robinson, B. (2015). A Call to Resurrect the Hope and Promise of Comprehensive School Counselling Programs and Practices.
Graham-Migel, J. (2008). Distributed Leadership in a Comprehensive Guidance and Counselling Program: Collaboration between Education and Health in the Context of School Reform. Doctoral Thesis: University of Toronto.
The Entrepreneurial Adventure Program is a hands-on entrepreneurial journey for students in Grades K-12. It is designed to develop students’ enterprising spirit, financial literacy, innovative thinking and social responsibility.
Series of Videos (staying mentally healthy during school closures and general social-emotional well-being).

Strategies and worksheets for social -emotional counselors

https://www.therapistaid.com/

Podcast – The Brain Architects
Conference Presentation: School Counselling in Canada: An Examination of the School Counselling Profession in Canadian Provinces and Territories. Moncton, NB: CCPA Presentation, May, 2019.
Provincial and Territorial Associations for School Counsellors

The School Counsellors Chapter values the participation of school counsellors in the professional associations within all regions of Canada. Many of our current members and new members who join the School Counsellors Chapter are involved in counselling associations within their jurisdictions. On November 26th, 2012 the School Counsellors Chapter Executive extended the following invitation to provincial and territorial school counselling associations and associations who have school counsellors in their memberships:

The CCPA School Counsellors Chapter is continuing to pursue initiatives to raise the profile of the school counselling profession in Canada. In pursuing this goal, we would like to forge strong links with provincial and territorial school counselling associations in Canada. We are presently seeking agreement to post a link to your association on our School Counsellors Chapter webpage. In turn, we would like your association to provide a link on your website to our CCPA School Counsellors Chapter.

Chapter members and prospective members are encouraged to use this site to learn about associations for school counsellors in their areas. As arrangements for links to these associations are established, the contact information or communications about links in process will be posted.

Links to access or to anticipate accessing soon:

Links to International School Counselling Professional Associations:

link to American School Counselor Association (ASCA) website: https://schoolcounselor.org/

link to International School Counselor Association (ISCA) website: https://iscainfo.com/

Contact the School Counsellors Chapter President

SC Chapter - EN

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