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

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

Dr. Michele Forte is a social worker and educator who has a diverse background in working with individuals facing developmental, behavioral, and mental health challenges. She has extensive experience in clinical practice, special education, program development, advocacy, research, and team leadership.  Dr. Forte holds a Doctorate in Education (Special Education) from Arcadia University, a Master of Social Work (Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families) from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts (Humanities/Religious Studies) from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Forte’s research and practical interests include building positive behavior supports in the home and community; supporting parents with intellectual disabilities and cognitive challenges; increasing capacities for individuals with low functioning disabilities; and reducing adolescent self-harming behaviors. When not working, she enjoys travel, crafts and spending time with family.

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.

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