• Welcome to TJ Counseling!
    School Counselors' Hours: 8:40am-3:55pm

    WTPS Counseling Department – Welcome Back to School Video

    School CounselorsASCA 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.
     
    School Counselor Assignments
    In our elementary schools, students are grouped by grade levels and assigned a dedicated school counselor. To ensure consistent support, we do not honor counselor change requests from students or parents. Please contact your counselor anytime for assistance.    
     
    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 Counselors! 

Phone: 856-589-8248 Ext. 3808

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

BS, Human Services Counseling - Old Dominion University MA, Psychology and Counseling - Regent University Certification: School Counselor Activities: Crisis Response School Lead, Section 504 School Coordinator, No Place for Hate Lead

Mr. Charlie Vogt, School Counselor

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Counseling, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA and a Master's Degree in Psychology and Counseling, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. My work at Thomas Jefferson E.S. began in the 2006-2007 school year.

My goal is to meet the counseling standards of all students, which include social emotional learning support and strategies to assist teachers, parents, and students to bolster academic success. Below are ways student needs are addressed through a variety of means:

- Provide classroom lessons for students in grades K-5 that cover topics such as but not limited to social emotional learning (some topics include: diversity/social justice, empathy, problem solving, emotional management).

- Provide individual counseling to students, encompassing various concerns, but not limited to grief and loss, conflict resolution, anger, and social/emotional development.

- Provide group counseling for students related to grief/loss, separation/divorce, and social skills/friendship development.

- Offer assistance as the school's Section 504 Coordinator.

Some things that I enjoy are summertime trips with family in North Carolina - on the beach and water park! Attending Phillies games!

I look forward to assisting you and your child with any questions or concerns.

For Community Assistance: WTPS Community Resources List WTPS Resources List

For 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination: WTPS Care Solace

Appointments: Email

Phone: 856-589-6644 Ext. 3808

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

BA, Psychology - Rowan University M Ed, Elementary and Secondary School Counseling - Wilmington University Activities: Section 504 School Coordinator

Ms. Jill Wanielista, Traveling School Counselor

Hi everyone, I am Miss Wanielista. I grew up in Washington Township and graduated from WTHS in 2013. I am so excited to be back in the district as an employee. I earned my BA in Psychology from Rowan University, and my M. Ed., school counseling, from Wilmington University. I will be traveling between two elementary schools, Bells and TJ. In doing so, my goal is to create a safe space for all students and help them develop their social-emotional skills. I will be working alongside the other counselors to provide individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom lessons. In my free time, I enjoy being at the beach, going on bike rides, and spending time with my friends & family. I look forward to meeting all of you! 

“You can’t change the waves, but you can learn how to surf”. 

Let's have a safe and healthy school year! 

Appointments: Email

Phone: 856-589-8248

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

BA, Criminal Justice - Virginia Union University MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Walden University Licensure: LAC

Ms. Ebony White, Transitional Coach

Ms. Ebony White  received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Union University and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is a LAC and has been working with youth and families for over 7 years in various settings. She has experience working in psychiatric hospitals,non-profit programs, residential programs and outpatient therapy. Ms. White is TF-CBT certified with a specialty of working with trauma based issues and at-risk youth. Ms. White enjoys spending time with her son and partner and exploring parks and trails in the area.

TRANSITIONAL COACH INFORMATION: Program Registration Form
In response to the critical shortage of student support services across the nation's schools, where the average counselor-to-student ratio is 1-to-408, our program introduces a novel approach to address the unmet behavioral health needs of students. At a time when nearly 40% of students are battling untreated behavioral health disorders—a situation that significantly affects attendance, instructional time, disciplinary issues, and overall school climate—we offer hope.

Our program uniquely positions Transitional Coaches in schools to bridge the gap in student support services. These professionals, with their background in counseling, social work, and related fields, are dedicated to nurturing the potential within each child, assisting them to navigate challenges such as academic underachievement, bullying, negative peer influences, grief and loss, low self-esteem, and more.

Working in close collaboration with the school counselors, school leadership team, and staff, Transitional Coaches focus on the holistic development of students. They implement an evidence-based curriculum aimed at fostering respect for authority, goal-setting, assertive communication, substance-use prevention, cultural respect, self-value, and coping mechanisms for personal issues, trauma, and anxiety, among other topics.

Our service is uniquely designed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, provided at no cost to students, families, or schools, and without affecting any family’s insurance premiums or plans. By aligning with the school's and district's overarching missions and goals, our program not only supports the individual student but also enhances the overall school climate, ensuring a nurturing environment for all students to thrive.