School counselors are professionally trained and Virginia state certified professionals whose role is to identify and address student needs through the use of a comprehensive school counseling program geared towards student success. Our main goal is to advocate for our students and ensure that they each have a successful middle school experience. We work with students individually and within the classroom setting to support and assist them with their academic, social/emotional, behavioral, and personal development. We also work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals in order to identify and minimize any barriers that stand in the way of student success. We specialize in post-secondary and transitioning planning. In addition, we serve as an important source of information, resources, and referrals.
Kelly Lenhart : 8th Grade Counselor
I graduated from Old Dominion University. This is my first year at Indian River Middle School. I previously worked with families as a high school counselor for Chesapeake Public Schools, beginning in 2006. I am looking forward to working with 8th graders, specifically helping them to be ready for high school.
Laurra Edmonds-Young : 7th Grade Counselor
Mia Mina : 6th Grade Counselor
I am a two time graduate from the great Norfolk State University. I received a Bachelors of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters degree in Urban Education-Professional School Counseling K-12. A week after graduating from the Masters program, I started my career with Chesapeake Public School District as a priority substitute and a Long term substitute as a School Counselor. A few months later, I was offered a full time position as a School Counselor within the district and have been parked here ever since. I am passionate about inspiring, encouraging, motivating and supporting students, staffs, and others, to take the limitations off their lives and to live in the field of unlimited possibilities. If you can believe it, You can achieve it!