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School Counselors

High School Counselors: What They Do and How to Use Their Support

High school counselors are there to help you with both personal and academic challenges. There are two main types of counselors you might work with: Social-Emotional Counselors and Academic Counselors. Below is an easy guide to help you understand what each counselor does and how you can use their support.

MEET YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Meet your Academic Counselors

CASE-LOAD students D-J

f you have any questions or would like to sit down to discuss your child, please feel free to email me at christina.yates@providenceschools.org or call me (401-456-9111 ext. 62528.

Mrs. Yates

My name is Christina Yates, and I am the Teacher Leader in the School Counseling Department.  I am also the counselor for self-contained special education students.  I’ve been working in the Providence School Department for over 33 years.  I’m fortunate to be working with a group of counselors who are passionate, professional and care deeply about the students of Central High School.  It is our responsibility to ensure that all of our students are fully supported in their academic and academic journey.   I am looking forward to working closely with you to provide the best possible educational experience for your child. I’m looking forward to a great school year!

CASE-LOAD students K-Q

f you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Carla.ricci@ppsd.org or call me at 401-456-9111 ext. 62516.

Email: arla.ricci@providenceschools.org

Phone: (401) 456-9111 ext. 62516

Ms. Ricci

Hello! My name is Ms. Carla Ricci and I am the school counselor for students whose last names begin with K-Q. I look forward to working with my students through each phase of their high school journey and beyond. To ensure a successful experience, it is essential that your child attends school daily to earn the credits they need to graduate. We at Central encourage our students to take advantage of the many after-school activities such as tutoring, credit recovery support, after-school clubs, sports, and community & mentoring opportunities. 

CASE-LOAD students A-C

 

f you have any questions, please feel free to email me at diane.west@providenceschools.org or call me at 401-456-9111 ext. 62527

Ms. Diane West

Hello! My name is Ms. West and I am the school counselor for students whose last names begin with A-C.

 

CASE-LOAD students R-Z

f you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Jimps.JeanLouis@ppsd.org or call me at 401-456-9111 ext. 62519 

Mr. Jimps

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself! I am the new school College and Career counselor for Central High School. I am so excited to be part of the Central Knight family working with the class of 2022 and 2023. I am very familiar with this wonderful community, since eighteen years ago I was the school counselor here at Central. I have an undeniable passion for school counseling and always knew this was my dream job. As a College and Career Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students. It is important to me that I work closely as a team with parents/guardians, teachers, administration, and staff to ensure your students is receiving all the support they need to guide them through these high school years.

What Academic School

Counselors Do:

  • Course Selection: Help you choose the right classes based on your interests, strengths, and graduation requirements.

  • Monitor Academic Progress: Track your grades and provide help if you're struggling in any classes.

  • College and Career Planning: Guide you in exploring college options, scholarships, career paths, and how to apply for them.

  • Test Preparation: Assist with preparing for standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT) and understanding their importance.

  • Create Academic Plans: Help you with strategies for success, including study habits, time management, and setting goals.

When to Use School Guidance for Classes Resources:

  • If you need help choosing classes or deciding what to take next year.

  • If you're struggling with grades or need help improving study habits.

  • If you're thinking about college or want to explore career options.

  • If you're unsure about your future and need advice on what steps to take next.

Meet your Academic Counselors

Meet your Social Emotional Counselors

Email: Tracy.Sherman@ppsd.org

Phone: (401) 456-9111 ext. 62113

Mrs. Sherman

Hi! My name is Mrs. Sherman and I am so fortunate to be the School Psychologist at Central High School.  I have been at Central for 14 years, but I have been a School Psychologist with PPSD for 25 years!!  I am here to support our students with whatever challenge they may be facing at school; academically, socially, emotionally, or even to just provide a calm space for students to relax and regroup.  As a School Psychologist, I also complete psychological evaluations with students through the special education referral process. Whatever my day brings, it always gives me great joy to watch my students overcome barriers and shine bright!

Email: Gina.Vessella@ppsd.org

Phone: (401) 456-9111 ext. 62114

Ms. Vessella.

My name is Ms. Vessella. I have been a School Social Worker in Providence Public Schools since 2009 and at Central High School since 2011.  I love being a Central Knight.  If you ever see the Knight mascot walking around… that is me!   I believe the foundation of acdemic growth is supporting the social emotional needs of students and families as well as creating a positive school culture. One way I do this is through Pet Therapy. Freddy is our school therapy dog who comes every Friday and to almost all school events! We both thrive on being part of the Central community. Once a Knight, Always a Knight!

Email: Siobhan.OBrien@ppsd.org

Phone: (401) 456-9111 ext. 62115

Ms. O'Brien

My name is Siobhan O'Brien. I am a school social worker at Central High School. I support students socially and emotionally and help them overcome barriers so that they can reach their full academic potential. I believe it is important also to collaborate closely with families through community outreach to promote student achievement. I have been privileged to spend my entire career working with students and families in Providence. I am thankful now to be part of Central High School and to be working with talented teaching and support staff on behalf of our students

How to Use These Resources:

  • Set up a meeting: If you need help, don’t wait—set up a meeting with your counselor to discuss your needs.

  • Ask for support early: The earlier you reach out, the more your counselor can help. They can guide you through any challenges, whether personal or academic.

  • Be open and honest: Trust that counselors are there to listen without judgment. They are here to help you succeed.

  • Confidentiality: Most of what you discuss with your counselor, especially personal matters, is confidential (unless there's a concern for safety). This allows you to speak freely about your issues.

What Social-Emotional School

Counselors Do:

Emotional Support: Help students who are dealing with personal issues (e.g., stress, anxiety, family problems, bullying).

  • Coping Skills: Teach you strategies to handle stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions in healthy ways.

  • Crisis Intervention: Assist in emergency situations (e.g., self-harm, emotional breakdowns).

  • Social Skills: Support you in building positive relationships, improving communication, and resolving conflicts.

  • Referrals to Professionals: If needed, they can connect you with outside therapists or mental health professionals.

When to Use Personal Counseling Resources:

  • If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

  • If you're experiencing bullying or social difficulties.

  • If you're going through family or personal challenges.

  • If you need someone to talk to about your feelings or mental health.

Remember: Counselors are here to support you in all aspects of your high school journey, whether you're managing emotions or working toward your academic goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help—both types of counselors are important resources for your success!

 

Freddy our school therapy dog .