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Welcome to the OVMS Counselors' Corner!
Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm
Phone: 856-582-5353, Fax 856-589-0197School CounselorsOur school counselors have Master's Degrees and are professionally trained in the three domains of school counseling: academic success, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development. Click here for the American School Counselor Association description of the middle school counselor.
Mission StatementThe mission of the Washington Township Middle School Counseling program is to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the academicand social/emotional development of all students. The Middle School Counseling program, aligned with the mission of the district, will advocate for all students by enhancing the overall school climate and helping students acquire developmentally appropriate skills which are necessary to become productive, responsible, and civic-minded students. The school counselor will work in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians, administration, and community resources. This partnership will provide all students with the opportunities to acquire the personal/social, organizational and problem solving skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become lifelong learners, and responsible, contributing citizens in our society.Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)
Click here for the Association of the Student Assistance Professionals of New Jersey role
According to a very strict Federal Regulation (42 CFR), the Student Assistance Counselor cannot disclose to anyone any information that a student discusses with them, without the permission of the student. There are only two exceptions to this law. The first is in instances where the student expresses the desire to hurt himself/herself or another person. The second exception involves situations of abuse. In both cases the SAC is obligated to inform school or legal personnel.However, there are a few exceptions to this law. If a student tells the SAC that he/she wishes to hurt him/herself or anyone else, actions must be taken to prevent this from happening. Also, if a student discloses that abuse is happening to him/her, the SAC counselor has the obligation to report the abuse.
With this confidentiality law, students feel more comfortable disclosing information to their counselors. In most cases holding information in and letting it build can have a detrimental effect. The SAC gives the students the opportunity to vent in a safe place where they know the information will not leave the office.
All About Our Staff!
School Counselor Assignments
Assigned by grade level, students stay with the same counselor all three years of their middle school experience. We do not honor counselor requests from students and parents. See the most current listing below and feel free to contact your counselor for assistance at any time.
Phone: 856-582-5353 Ext. 5621
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA, Art Education - Rowan University MA, Counseling in Education Setting - Rowan University Certifications: Art Teacher, School Counselor, Supervisor, Director of School Counseling Services, Principal
Mr. Daniel Jedwabny, 6th Grade School Counselor
Mr. Jedwabny has been a school counselor at OVMS since 2011. Prior to joining the school counseling department, he was an Art teacher at OVMS for ten years. Mr. Jedwabny is the 8th grade class co-advisor, Flag Football and Indoor Soccer advisor. Mr. Jedwabny is involved with many organizations and committees, such as the I&RS Team, the 504 Committee, and the Gloucester County Professional Middle School Counselors Association. He is a proud graduate of Rowan University (’01,’08) and Wilmington University (’12).
In addition to being a certified school counselor, Mr. Jedwabny holds New Jersey certificates of Art Teacher, Supervisor, Principal, and Director of School Counseling Services. He has been honored as OVMS Teacher of the Year in 2011 and Gloucester County Middle School Counselor of the year in 2017.
Mr. Jedwabny enjoys rooting for Philadelphia sports teams, watching movies, creating artwork, working on small home remodel projects, and spending time with his family and friends.
Phone: 856-582-5353 Ext. 5623
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA, Psychology and Childhood Studies - Rutgers University MA, Counseling in Educational Settings - Rowan University Certification: School Counselor
Ms. Natalie Marakowski, 7th Grade School Counselor
Ms. Marakowski joined the OVMS staff in 2016. Prior to joining the staff at OVMS, Ms. Marakowski held the position of Middle School Counselor in Delanco Township. She serves on the OVMS I&RS team, 504 committee, and is a member of the Gloucester County Professional Middle School Counselors Association.
Ms. Marakowski has a Master of Arts in Counseling in Educational Settings from Rowan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Childhood Studies from Rutgers University. She holds the certificate of k-12 School Counselor.
Ms. Marakowski enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading in her free time, and loves to travel.
Phone: 856-582-5353 Ext. 5624
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA, Psychology - University of Maryland MA, Art Therapy - Marywood University MEd, School Counseling - Wilmington University Certification: School Counselor
Mrs. Pauline Kolodzey, 8th Grade School Counselor
Mrs. Kolodzey joined the OVMS in 2015. Prior to becoming part of the OVMS team, Mrs. Kolodzey was a Child and Adolescent Therapist at NewPoint Behavioral Health Care, a School Counselor at Wedgwood Elementary, and a School Counselor at Caroline Reutter School. She serves on the OVMS I&RS team, 504 committee, and is a member of the Gloucester County Professional Middle School Counselors Association.
Mrs. Kolodzey holds a M.A. in Art Therapy, a M.Ed. in School Counseling. In addition to being a certified School Counselor, she is also a Registered Art Therapist.
Mrs. Kolodzey enjoys running, snowboarding, drawing, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
Phone: 856-582-5353 Ext. 5602
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
BA, Psychology - Glassboro State College MA, Psychoeducational Processes - Temple University EdS - Marriage and Family Therapy Certification: SAC
Mr. Thomas Woodson, SAC
Mr. Woodson joined Washington Township School District in 2005. He is currently the Student Assistance Counselor and Anti-Bullying Specialist at OVMS and Bells Elementary School. Prior to joining the OVMS staff, Mr. Woodson was Program Director at Penn Recovery Systems in Philadelphia, Director of Clinical School Programs at TRIS, Special Services Counselor at Highland High School, and Substance Awareness Coordinator and Coordinator of Adult Evening Programming for Burlington Township School District.
Mr. Woodson holds a Masters Degree in Psycho-Educational Proccesses from Temple University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Glassboro State College. He is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Education. Mr. Woodson is also a certified Substance Awareness Coordinator and holds an Ed.S in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Phone: 856-589-5176 Ext. 5620
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. MaryAnn Scannell, Counseling Secretary
Mrs. Scannell has been the Counseling Office's secretary for the past 8 years, and before that worked in the Central Administration Office for 17 years. She always greets both students and staff to the office with a friendly and welcoming nature! Mrs. Scannell's knowledge and professionalism definitely help the OVMS counselors fulfill their responsibilities.
