Introducing Sara Johnston, Our New School Counselor!

Dear Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself! My name is Sara, and I am serving the 2023-2024 school year as Gillispie’s very first School Counselor! I am already so excited to be part of the Gillispie family. It is so apparent how close-knit and welcoming the Gillispie community is, and I feel very lucky and honored to be part of it!

My passion for School Counseling began during my time as a student at California State University, Northridge where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, and then at University of San Diego where I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling with a School Counseling Specialization and my Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential. Though I have worked with students of all grades, what I love most about the elementary level is the genuine curiosity students have in their learning and the world around them, as well as the opportunity for early support that can have a lifetime of positive impact on a child.

My role at Gillispie will focus primarily on supporting children with their personal, social, and emotional development. Sometimes when the term “counselor” is heard, some may perceive that a counselor may only work with a select few students in a 1:1 counseling capacity, but that is not the case! I will promote this by meeting with students individually and in small groups, conducting classroom guidance lessons, collaborating with faculty and families, and consulting with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of each Gillispie student. I strongly believe communication and collaboration are key to school success, and want your child to feel happy and accomplished while at school. Therefore, my role as a school counselor will not only be offering support to the Gillispie students, but to Gillispie staff and families through collaboration and sharing resources.

I am so excited to work with your children and get to know you throughout the school year!

Sara Johnston, MA, PPS
School Counselor