International School Counselor Week at ICS

Feb 3 2026

International School Counselors Week is a chance to recognize the people behind one of the most important parts of school life: student wellbeing.

At ICS, counselors work alongside students, families, and staff to help every learner feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

This week, we put the counselor role into the ICS spotlight, highlighting the work they do and the services they make available to our students, parents, and employees.

ICS counselors follow the International School Counselors Association guidelines and use the ISCA Domains and Standards to align our counseling program from Early Years through Grade 12. These standards include four key domains: Social-Emotional, Academic, Global Perspectives and Identity Development, and Career. This learning is embedded across our advisory curriculum, classroom partnerships, and individual student support plans..

Data plays an important role in ensuring our counseling program meets the evolving needs of students. We collect information in multiple ways to identify areas of need and to evaluate the impact of our supports. Weekly PULSE check-ins (Grades 3–12) and annual Attitudes and Behaviors surveys allow us to respond to individual and community needs in real time while also tracking trends over time. We also use observations, PowerSchool reports, and student feedback to inform decision-making and guide targeted interventions.

Creating and maintaining a high quality counseling program that meets the needs of our diverse community is at the heart of what we do. Read below to learn more about the specific ways ICS counselors support students every day.

What do school counselors do?

School counselors support the whole child. That means we help with learning, wellbeing, friendships, problem solving, and navigating big transitions, while also building systems that strengthen the school community.

At ICS, counseling support includes:

Student wellbeing and Mental Health
We provide a space for students to talk through worries, stress, friendship issues, identity questions, or changes at home. We also help students build coping skills, confidence, and healthy routines.

Social and Emotional Learning
Counselors teach and support skills like self management, empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and responsible decision making through lessons, advisory supports, class partnerships, and small groups.

Academic Support
We collaborate with teachers and grade level leads to remove barriers to learning and help students develop study strategies, organization skills, and habits that support growth, especially during challenging periods.

Safe, Inclusive School Communities
Counselors support belonging and positive relationships across the school. We help address harm when conflict happens, strengthen peer dynamics, and partner with staff on systems that reduce bullying and promote respect.

Transitions and Student Pathways
From joining a new school to moving into middle or high school, and planning for life after graduation, counselors help students and families navigate change with clarity and support.

Collaboration and Safeguarding
Counselors work closely with families, teachers, and administrators, and are part of safeguarding practices designed to keep students safe. When a student needs more support, we also help coordinate referrals and follow up with care.

International School Counselors Week is a reminder that counseling is not just “help when something is wrong.” It is also proactive work that builds skills, relationships, and a school culture where students can thrive.

Get to know the ICS Counseling Team

Below is a quick introduction to the counselors who support students across ICS. When you see us around campus, feel free to say hello.

Ivana Bagini – EY to Grade 2

As a Lower Elementary Counselor, my focus is on helping our youngest learners build a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing. I am passionate about supporting students as they develop essential social skills, emotional awareness, and resilience as they learn to navigate their world. Whether working in our Hubs, in small groups, or one-to-one, my goal is to ensure every child feels seen, safe, and supported.

I deeply value my partnerships with teachers and the time spent collaborating with families. There is something incredibly powerful about coming together as a team to help a child “bounce forward” after a challenge. I am honored to be part of your child’s journey and growth here at ICS.

Esther Ossai – Grades 3-5

My name is Esther Ossai, and I am honored to serve as the Upper Elementary School Counselor. What I value most about this role is the opportunity to support students and families as they navigate social-emotional growth and development. Witnessing students build self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and grow through different developmental stages is incredibly rewarding.

I am continually inspired by students’ resilience, particularly during challenging moments. In close collaboration with teachers, my goal is to help students develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to succeed both in school and in life.

Sloane Hill – Grades 6 & 8

This is my first year as a full-time school counselor at ICS. I bring over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and previously joined the counseling team as an intern, where I gained firsthand insight into the day-to-day work of counseling at ICS.

I feel especially grateful to work with middle school students. What I value most is supporting the kind of growth that isn’t always reflected in grades—confidence, friendships, problem-solving, resilience after a difficult moment, and self-advocacy. I enjoy helping students recognize their strengths, care for themselves and others, and think intentionally about how they want to show up in the world.

Jason McEvoy-Edwards – Grades 7 & 8

What I value most about being a middle school counselor is the opportunity to build strong, trusting relationships through empathy, consistency, and clear communication. Creating a safe and supportive space where students feel heard—while acknowledging the social and emotional complexities of early adolescence, which is central to my work.

Whether through advisory, small groups, or individual meetings, I aim to support student wellbeing in a proactive and culturally responsive way. In close partnership with families and colleagues, I am motivated to foster resilience, growth, and positive development within the middle school community.

Danielle Chamberlin – Grades 9 & 11

This is my third year as a counselor at ICS and my 20th year in education. My goal is to support students during some of the most pivotal years of high school—whether they are finding their footing early on or preparing to transition beyond ICS after graduation.

What I enjoy most about this work is empowering students to solve their own challenges. Watching a student realize they have the insight and strength to navigate their experiences is incredibly meaningful. When students come into my office, I hope they feel heard, respected, and supported in a space that is judgment-free, thoughtfully caffeinated, and focused on growth.

Angela Mack – Grades 10 & 12

I support Grade 10 and 12 students with wellbeing, social-emotional skill development, academic planning, and post-secondary pathways, with particular attention to transitions, identity development, and belonging. This is my 13th year as a school counselor, and what I value most is working alongside students during periods of growth and change as they build clarity, confidence, and self-advocacy.

I am especially motivated by helping students strengthen reflective skills, resilience, and thoughtful decision-making aligned with their values and goals. Students can expect a supportive, structured, and student-centered approach, and I hope they feel heard, respected, and empowered when we meet.

How to reach the counseling team

Students can drop by, email, or ask a teacher to help them connect. Families are always welcome to reach out with questions, concerns, or to partner in supporting their child.

Happy International School Counselors Week from all of us at ICS.