Juli Celene Montgomery
M.A. student,
counseling and school personnel psychology,
Department of Educational Psychology
As she prepares to become a school counselor, Juli Celene Montgomery is sharpening her skills by working with a range of students, ages, and settings. Her practicums involve a suburban elementary school, an urban middle school, and a rural high school.
“I’ve had a terrific breadth of experience,” she says. “The kids from all three schools are really open to working with me; they make my practicum experience very rich.”
At the elementary school Montgomery conducts in-class presentations for diverse groups of students, helping them articulate their feelings, problem-solve, and learn to empathize with others.
“The presentations are meant to reduce violence and increase the kids’ ability to communicate,” she explains.
At the middle school Montgomery works one-on-one with children referred to her for peer mediation, failing grades, or emotional support. She also runs a grief support group.
“I’ve been impressed with what the kids are reading, and the fact that they do read [by choice],” she comments. “The grief group is learning to express their feelings, understand their reactions to death, and take responsibility for their actions.”
At the high school Montgomery works on an individual basis with kids who have mental health issues and academic challenges. She is also creating transition groups for kids going to four-year colleges, two-year colleges, or choosing to work after graduation.
Changes in the economy highlight some differences in the more rural community, where both the students and their parents are having a difficult time finding work as small local businesses close.
“At the rural school I see fewer readers, fewer truly engaged kids,” Montgomery comments. “There’s a general malaise.”
The practicums are required for Montgomery to qualify for licensure to be a school counselor. She plans to graduate with a master’s degree in May and says the counseling and student personnel psychology program has “absolutely prepared” her to work in the field.
—B.M.