Henry Donnelly, Melissa Halpert, Donna McKenna

What inspired you to become a school counselor, and what brought you to PPSD?

HD: I began my journey in Providence in 1996 as a School-to-Career Coordinator at Mount Pleasant High School; a role I loved. At the time, I was also in grad school, finishing my master’s in business education. After completing my degree, I was hired at Mount Pleasant as a business teacher, where I spent about 13 years, alternating between teaching and coordinating the school-to-career program.

One day during lunch, I had a student who often ate in my classroom. As we talked, she mentioned how hungry she was and shared that her mother only shopped once a month. She had seven brothers, was the only girl, and often had to fend for herself when food ran out. That conversation was a turning point for me; an 'aha' moment. It made me realize that, in the grand scheme of things, my computer science or sports marketing assignments weren’t as important as a student’s basic needs; food, shelter, and security.

That moment ignited something in me, and I started exploring how to become a school counselor. I knew I wanted to support students beyond academics, helping them navigate their challenges. And here I am today, following that path.

MH: I began my career as a math teacher in Central Falls, knowing from the start that I wanted to work with high school students rather than move into higher education. That passion led me to pursue my master’s in counseling, which eventually opened doors for me in the field, though counseling positions can be hard to come by.

I started as a school counselor in Central Falls in 2005 before transitioning to Providence in 2010. Now, in my 19th year as a counselor, I continue to do what I love; working with students, guiding them in the right direction, and supporting them however they need, whether it’s socially, emotionally, exploring career pathways, or simply being there to listen.

DM: When I began my career as a teacher at Blessed Sacrament, I taught science to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. One day, Father Marcel, the parish priest, walked across the street and struck up a conversation. He saw me with a group of students, approached me, and said, 'You should be a school counselor.'

At first, I was surprised, but his words stuck with me. He told me I would need to pursue a master’s degree, and after some thought, I decided to go for it. I enrolled at RIC, earned my master’s, and became a school counselor.

What does a typical day look like for a PPSD (or their school) school counselor?

Every day is different, which is what we love about this job. Whether there are scheduled meetings with parents, principals, and testing, each day brings unique challenges and opportunities. We work closely with parents, students, and faculty, helping to navigate both emotions and academics. Our role is to support, like the bumpers in a bowling alley; they keep things on track while allowing for growth and progress.

We also have a unique schedule because we're a technical school, following an alternating A-day and B-day schedule. This setup allows our juniors and seniors to focus on their technical training all day.

What resources are available for students who may be struggling?

Our teachers go above and beyond, volunteering their time during lunch to support students. CTE teachers, especially for seniors, offer extra help for those who might be falling behind or at risk of not graduating. They let students use a period; usually the first or last of the day; to catch up on work before or after their CTE classes. The goal is always to help them graduate.

We also have an MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) process, which most Providence schools have. If a student needs more than basic support, we can refer them to our MTSS team. They assess the student from multiple angles and figure out what additional supports can be put in place to help them succeed.

How do you collaborate with teachers and families to help students succeed?

Our role is to serve as a bridge between parents and teachers, with communication being the key to effective collaboration. We have a strong relationship with our teachers and support staff, which helps us connect with students and relay important messages. Our greatest strength lies in the CTE areas, where we are deeply integrated and work closely with CTE teachers as our central hub.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about school counseling at PPSD?

There’s a common misconception about PCTA students; that they’re different from those at Central, Mount Pleasant, Hope, and JSEC. In reality, they face the same challenges and have the same potential for growth. What sets them apart is the extra workload they take on. In addition to meeting all standard graduation requirements; math, english, science, and social studies; they also commit to one of our eleven technical programs, essentially doubling their workload.

People often don’t realize the level of effort and support provided at PPSD compared to other districts. The dedication here goes beyond academics; we work tirelessly to help our students succeed in every way possible.