Counseling Department Faculty
Phone: 610.282.1421 ext. 7555
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Psychology, Lehigh University M. Ed. Secondary School Counseling, Lehigh University Educational Specialist II, Secondary School Counselor 7-12
Mrs. Christie Piascik
School Counselor (A-E)
Christie Piascik joined Southern Lehigh in 2016. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Lehigh University, as well as her M. Ed. Secondary School Counseling degree. She has previous experience as the High School Counselor at Garnet Valley School District for 4 years (2011-2015). She was also a Middle School counselor at Wallingford-Swarthmore School District for 1 year (2015-2016).
Phone: 610.282.1421 ext. 7556
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Psychology, Lycoming College M. Ed. Secondary School Counseling, Millersville University Educational Specialist II, Secondary School Counselor 7-12
Mrs. Tamme Westbrooks
School Counselor (L-Ri)
Tamme Westbrooks joined Southern Lehigh in 2002. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Lycoming College. She completed her graduate work at Millersville University, where she received her M. Ed. in Secondary School Counseling. Tamme oversees Keystone and SAT/PSAT testing.
Phone: 610.282.1421 ext. 7552
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Melody Davis
Counseling Administrative Assistant
Counseling secretaries help with a variety of tasks. However, please contact me if you have specific questions about:
Student registration/enrollment
Campus
Keystone Exams
Record Requests (from other school districts)
Transcript Requests (alumni)
Phone:
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Phone: 610.282.1421 ext. 7557
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Masters of Education in School Counseling from West Chester University and a B.S. in Psychology from DeSales University
Mrs. Samantha Trachtman
School Counselor (F-K)
Samantha Trachtman joined Southern Lehigh in 2021. She received her B.S. in Psychology from DeSales University. She completed her graduate work at West Chester University where she received her M.Ed. in School Counseling. She has previous experience as the High School Counselor at Saucon Valley High School for 6 years (2015-2021).
Phone: 610.282.1421 ext. 7522
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Kristen Stepanczuk
School Counselor (Rj-Z)
Ms. Stepanczuk is both a Licensed Professional Counselor and K-12 Certified School Counselor, having a Master’s Degree in Counseling and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Prior to earning her school counseling certification, Ms. Stepanczuk spent the past 10 years as a professional counselor working directly with adolescents and young adults within a variety of community settings.
Phone: 610.282.1421 ext. 7558
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
B.A. Psychology, Bucknell Univeristy M. Ed. Human Development, Lehigh University Ed. S. School Psychology, Lehigh Univeristy
Mr. Cotie Strong
Cotie Strong joined Southern Lehigh in 2005. He received his B.A. in Psychology and minor in Education from Bucknell University. He completed his graduate work at Lehigh University, where he received his M. Ed. in Human Development and Ed. S. in school psychology. While he works full time at the high school, he does have experience working at the middle school level. Outside of the classroom, Cotie works with our student-athletes as the head track and field coach for Southern Lehigh.
-
"We are no longer 'guidance counselors' only focused on graduation and course selection for students. We are professional school counselors who focus on the academic, personal/social AND career development of ALL students."
Counseling Meetings
-
How Does a Student See His or Her Counselor?
Posted by:Most appointments are either made by the students themselves stopping into the counseling office and making an appointment through the secretary, or the counselors scheduling them and sending out a pass to the students' home room teacher. They can also be made by:
- Self-referral / visiting the counseling office
- Appointments made by counselor
- Parent referral
- Administrative referral
- Teacher or other staff referral
- Referral by friends
Students should also feel free to e-mail their counselor with general questions or concerns.
Students can now Request an Appointment online.
-
When Do the Counselors Meet With their Students?
Posted by:The goal is for counselors to meet with every student a minimum of once every year. There is a general schedule that is followed that can give you an idea of when you will be scheduled. This does not mean students cannot make appointments outside of this schedule; this is just to ensure that every student meets with their counselor.
Fall (September-October):
-Seniors (12th) to review graduation requirements and assist with college & career planning
Winter (November-December):
-Freshman (9th) and new students to meet for the first time, check in with their schedules and transitioning from the Middle School
Early Spring (February-March):
-Juniors (11th) to discuss future plans, college and career planning, scheduling, etc.
-A junior parent meeting is usually offered around this time as well
Spring (April-May):
-Sophomores (10th) to check in and check their schedules
-
How and Why Do Parents Contact Their Student’s Counselor?
Posted by:- Phone Call
- Student Achievement / advisement
- Family difficulties, concerns, or health problems
- New school registration
- Discussing special needs of the child
- Early discussion and identification of potential student crisis