• Welcome to Birches Counseling!
    School Counselor's Hours: 8:40am-3:55pm

    WTPS Counseling Department – Welcome Back to School Video

     

    School CounselorASCA NJSCA
    School counselors have Master's Degrees and are professionally trained in the three domains of school counseling: academic success, career readiness, and social/emotional development. Click here for the American School Counselor Association description of the elementary school counselor. Under Multi-Tiered System of Supports, direct counseling services include: school-wide activities, classroom lessons, individual planning or counseling, group counseling sessions, referral to resources.
     
    Department Vision/Mission
    The District School Counseling Department is Building Better People by helping all students achieve school success and plan for their future.

    BBP
     

    All About Our School Counselor! 

Phone: 856-232-1290 Ext. 3032

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

BA, Elementary Education - The College of New Jersey MA, Counseling Psychology - Rutgers University

Mrs. Kelly Chropka, School Counselor

My professional experience includes over 20 years of both teaching and counseling work with elementary children. I have earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from The College of New Jersey and a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University. I look forward to working cooperatively with the students, parents, and staff this year to help our students to experience personal success and confidence.

Below you will find information about some of the counseling services that I will provide. Please call or email me with any questions or concerns regarding your child's academic, social, or emotional development.

Individual Counseling
Students are referred to see the counselor by parents, school staff, or often seek counseling on their own. Children receive support from the counselor on a variety of topics such as making friends, social skills, conflicts with peers, family changes, problem solving, grief, anger management and self esteem.

If a child would like to see the counselor they may ask their teacher or put a request in the school counselor's mailbox. Parents may call the counseling office to conference by phone or in person regarding concerns about their child.

Group Counseling
Mrs. Chropka offers a variety of counseling groups throughout the school year. These groups generally meet once or twice a month and are designed to be fun and educational. The children learn together through discussions, activities, and role playing. Parents are contacted by letter before the group begins for permission for their child to participate. Some topics that are often addressed in groups are: Friendship Skills, Anger Management, and Divorce/Separation in families.

Classroom Lessons
The counselor teaches lessons in each classroom on a regular basis. The lessons are based on the Birches Ten Pillars of Character Program and are tailored to the social and emotional needs of the students in each class. Some of the topics included in the lessons are: identifying and expressing feelings, communication skills, problem solving techniques, friendship skills, and anger/stress management.
 
I look forward to working with you and your child this year.

Appointments: Email

Phone: 856-232-1290 Ext. 4149

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

BA, Psychology - University of Valley Forge MA, Counseling in Educational Settings - Rowan University Certification: School Counselor Activities: Anti-Bullying Specialist

Mrs. Erika Davis, School Counselor/Traveling Interventionist

This is my first year as a school counselor! I had the pleasure of interning at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School twice, during both my degree programs. I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Valley Forge and a Master’s Degree in Counseling in the Educational Setting from Rowan University. My passion lies in social emotional learning to all grade levels and providing students a voice from an early age.

I am looking forward to joining the Washington Township elementary counseling team and collaborating with parents, teachers, students, and staff at the schools where I will be working. I am excited about an awesome year with you and your child!

Click here to learn more about Mrs. Davis

Appointments: Email