Patricia Campbell-Mejia

School counselors are the unsung heroes of education, guiding students through both academic challenges and personal growth. During National School Counseling Week, we spotlighted Patricia Campbell-Mejia, the dedicated school counselor at George J. West Elementary School, whose work ensures that every student feels supported, valued, and ready to succeed.

A Holistic Approach to Student Success

Patricia’s path to becoming a school counselor was shaped by her deep-rooted passion for education and student advocacy. Before stepping into her current role, she worked in other professions, but she always felt drawn to supporting students in a meaningful way.

“What surprised me most when I became a school counselor was how much I enjoyed seeing students grow—not just academically, but emotionally and socially,” Patricia shared. “There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching a student overcome a challenge and knowing you played a small role in that journey.”

At George J. West Elementary, Patricia collaborates closely with teachers, families, and school staff to ensure that students receive the academic and emotional support they need. "We may not be in every classroom every day, but we work as a team to make sure students have the resources and encouragement to succeed," she explained.

More Than Academics: Supporting Emotional Well-Being

Beyond academics, Patricia emphasizes the importance of emotional and mental health in a student’s success. "School counseling is about more than just guiding students through their coursework," she said. "It’s about creating a space where they feel safe, heard, and understood."

Whether it’s helping students manage stress, providing character education, or connecting families to outside resources, Patricia ensures that students have the tools to navigate both school and life.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing a student who struggled at the beginning of the year grow into someone who believes in themselves,” she said. “That kind of transformation is why I do this work.”

Building a Stronger School Community

At George J. West Elementary, Patricia’s work extends beyond the classroom. She partners with community organizations, health services, and local support networks to make sure students and their families have access to the resources they need.

“We work together as a team—teachers, social workers, school psychologists, and families—to remove barriers to learning,” she explained. “If a student needs help with academics, emotional support, or even something as basic as making sure they have food at home, we find a way to support them.”

She believes that fostering a strong, welcoming school environment is key to student success. “When students know there’s someone who truly cares about them, it changes everything. They feel more confident, they engage more in their learning, and they start to believe in themselves.”

What People Should Know About School Counseling

When asked what she wishes more people knew about school counselors, Patricia smiled. “A lot of people think school counselors just help with class schedules or college prep, but it’s so much more than that,” she said. “We are the bridge between students, families, and the school. We help make school a place where students feel safe and supported, no matter what challenges they face.”

She also emphasized the collaborative nature of her work. “No one does this alone. It takes an entire school community working together to make a real difference.”

A Message of Gratitude

"At the end of the day, my goal is simple—to help students see their own potential," Patricia said. "If I can make even a small difference in their lives, then I know I’ve done something meaningful."