School Counselors Making a Difference

5 Stories to Celebrate National School Counseling Week

As National School Counseling Week 2025 (#NSCW25) approaches, we are thrilled to honor five school counselors who work tirelessly to ensure every student in their district has access to barrier-free mental health support. 

This year’s theme, School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive, perfectly captures the dedication and impact these professionals have on students' mental health, personal growth, and academic success. At Alongside, we’re proud to support their efforts by providing tools that help students navigate everyday challenges and build resilience.

SEE ALSO: Download our Evidence of Impact Catalog for complete case studies from 6 of our partner districts.

Here’s how these inspiring counselors embody this year’s themes, showcasing the unique ways they help students thrive.

School Counselors Help Students Thrive by...

Anne Lantey believes in the power of giving students a safe space to express themselves. She shares how Alongside has helped her English language learners overcome language barriers:

"It’s giving them an opportunity to vent—just say what’s on their minds without judgment or interruption. One student who initially struggled to express herself later made a suicidal outcry through the app, which enabled me to provide the urgent support she needed. It’s absolutely invaluable for all students, especially those who feel there are barriers to opening up."

Anne’s story highlights how technology can create an inclusive space for students, empowering them to voice their struggles and receive timely support.

I Know Students are Thriving When...

For Susan Sasso, seeing her students build independence is the ultimate sign they’re thriving. She recalls a student who regularly sought her help every Monday morning:

"The past two Monday mornings, after using the Alongside app, he told me, 'No, now I’m good,' and went to class. That cut my time with him by about 50%, and it shows he’s learning to manage his emotions independently."

Susan uses Alongside as a tool to empower students, freeing her to focus on others in need and creating a ripple effect of support throughout the school.

I Thrive as a School Counselor When...

Tracey Bennett thrives when she sees students applying the skills they’ve learned in counseling to handle challenges on their own. She shares:

"Students who used to visit my office daily now use Alongside to manage situations independently. They even share their app conversations with me, which makes me proud to see the progress they’re making."

Knowing that her students are building resilience and practicing self-reliance fuels Tracey’s passion for counseling and reminds her of the profound impact she has.

I’m a School Counselor Because...

Lynn Price is committed to providing an inclusive environment that helps students navigate their challenges and supports their overall well-being. Alongside is helping to bridge significant gaps in access to mental health services for her students in rural West Texas. With limited resources and the nearest mental health practice an hour away, she explains:

"Alongside helps us meet students where they are—on their phones. They use it in class, after school, and even during breaks. Many students turned to it over winter break when school-based support was unavailable. It’s an essential tool that complements everything we do as counselors."

Lynn’s dedication to innovation ensures her students have the support they need, no matter the barriers they face.

Every Student Needs a School Counselor Who...

Gabriel Hernandez believes every student needs a counselor who empowers them to take ownership of their struggles by giving them self-help tools and strategies. He explains:

"I want students to feel they are in control of their situation as opposed to feeling helpless and hopeless."

Gabriel’s approach transforms the student-counselor relationship into a partnership, giving students the confidence to navigate their challenges with support.

Join the #NSCW25 Celebration

We encourage everyone to celebrate the contributions of school counselors during National School Counseling Week. Using the theme prompts above, participate in the photo/video challenge and share how counselors in your school community are helping students thrive. Let’s honor these champions of mental health and academic success.

Inspired by these counselors and ready to try Alongside for yourself? Create a demo account and start chatting!