Elementary School
School counselors are central to the workings of an elementary school. Tasked with delivering social-emotional learning lessons once each 8-day cycle, counselors are connected to all students in the elementary building. Our SEL program is CASEL aligned and meets New York State's Social Emotional Learning standards. In our SEL lessons, counselors focus on five core social-emotional competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills and social awareness. Our lessons also serve as a mechanism to increase our students' sense of belonging in our school-community. Parents interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out to their school counselor and/or click here for a list of our SEL reading materials.
School counselors work closely with the building principal to create programs and events that support student well-being. Additionally, school counselors welcome all new mounties to our schools. With extra attention to students in grades two and five, counselors work diligently to prepare students to move from grade to grade and to transition to new buildings. Parents are encouraged to call/email their child's counselor with any questions or concerns.
Meet the Elementary Counselors
Sloatsburg
Ms. Shelley StephensonMs. Stephenson began her school counseling career at Suffern High School. When the opportunity arose to become a K-2 school counselor, Ms. Stephenson jumped at the chance to help our youngest mounties. With her caring and kind approach to counseling, Ms. Stephenson is a perfect match for our Sloatsburg families.
R.P. Connor
Mrs. Nicole ReynoldsAfter beginning her career as a school counselor at an intermediate school in New Jersey, Mrs. Reynolds joined the team at Suffern Middle School. Hired just prior to the pandemic, Mrs. Reynolds endeared herself to students and staff alike at SMS. When the opportunity to join our elementary staff become available, Mrs. Reynolds felt compelled to return to her roots and join the team at R.P. Connor.
Montebello
Mr. Travis JacksonA product of Suffern Central Schools, Mr. Jackson joined the team at Suffern Middle School after beginning his career as a school counselor in the East Ramapo Central School District. Mr. Jackson spent a large portion of his career guiding students at SMS and when Suffern decided to hire elementary school counselors, Mr. Jackson was the first to volunteer! Over the past few years, Mr. Jackson has been split between multiple buildings in Suffern and is thrilled to be the full-time counselor at Montebello.
Cherry Lane
Mrs. Michelle PanskyAfter beginning her career in various schools in New Jersey, Mrs. Pansky joined the team at Suffern Central as a part-time counselor at the height of the pandemic to help support our elementary school students. Mrs. Pansky's great work was seen by all who interacted with her and she soon became a full-time member of the elementary team. In recent years, Mrs. Pansky has been split between multiple buildings and is excited to be full time at Cherry Lane.