OHMS Counseling Department

School Counseling Program

Our Beliefs/Philosophy:
We believe that our student's developmental needs are best met by providing a comprehensive school counseling plan which has been created, implemented, and directed by school counselors who are leaders, advocates, and collaborators who intentionally create unbiased access to academic achievement and self-directed personal growth for every student.

Our Vision Statement:
Every student equipped, connected, and valued.

Our Mission Statement:
The OHMS counseling program, in collaboration with faculty and stakeholders, will provide the resources for all students to be equipped, connected, and valued. Under the guidance of ASCA, our students will be given the tools that meet the standards for preparing them for growth in all areas of their life. All students will be given the opportunity to connect with our community and careers for their brighter future. Above all, the foundation for our program will be to display that every student has value and matters to the mission of our school.

What is a comprehensive school counseling program?

A comprehensive school counseling program:  

  • serves all students 

  • includes large (in-class) and small group counseling  

  • incorporates short-term individual counseling based on Solution Focused Brief Counseling 

  • works with all stakeholders: parents, teachers, and community 

A school counselor is an educator:

  • who is specially trained and advocates for the students at the school

  • works with teachers and parents to provide helpful suggestions and support for children’s needs. 

  • provides classroom lessons designed to help them grow personally. We are teaching overcoming obstacles this year. 

  • helps in identifying academic and social/emotional needs of children. 

  • helps children understand themselves and others. 

  • provides information about community resources that would benefit children. 

  • makes referrals to outsides agencies. 

  • provides parents with resources and information.  

A favorite quote:  
“You may encounter many defeats, BUT you must NOT be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, and how you can still come out of it.”

– Maya Angelou

Your Oak Hill Middle School Counselors are: 

Jean English, MA –   I have been a counselor for over 20 years. I earned my Master's from Marshall University. My counseling philosophy is that you can never go forward while looking backward. So stay focused. (7th and 8th grades)

Kim Richmond, MA, NCC - I hold a B.S, from West Virginia Tech, an MA from Marshall University, and am a Nationally Certified Counselor from NBCC.  I look forward to being your child's advocate and working with you to help provide him/her with the best middle school career possible and help them to be their best self. (6th and 7th grades)