About Us: 

Mrs. Schaffer, Mrs. Smith & Miss Geist are excited to be a part of the NLES team. 

Each grade level is assigned to a school counselor.  The school counselors loop with their caseload of students so that students continue with the same counselor for each year of elementary school. 

2025 – 2026 Assignments:

Mrs. Schaffer – Grades 2 & 4

Mrs. Smith – Grades K, 3, 5

Miss Geist- Grades 1 & 6

 Reasons a Student May See the School Counselor:

• Worried about school, family or friends.
• Want help making choices or solving a problem.
• Need help focusing in class.
• Confused about something.
• Life changes.
• Concerned about something happening at school or at home.
• Struggling in class or with schoolwork.
• Build self-confidence or friendship skills.
• To share good news!

Why School Counselors?

The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent, and confident learners (ASCA, 2019).

Elementary school counselors support students during these critical years through the following:

• Implementing a comprehensive school counseling program through monthly classroom guidance lessons.
• Collaborating with all stakeholders, such as parents, teachers, administrators, etc.
• Assisting with early intervention supports.
• Providing solution-focused individual and group counseling services.
• Facilitating programing for career awareness/exploration, social-emotional learning, and academic success.