School counselors Carlynn P. and Oksana S. share why they decided to become school counselors, what they enjoy most about working with the Cross Country Education team and schools, and what advice they have for school counselors just now embarking on thei

<h2>Celebrating School Counselors Carlynn P. and Oksana S.</h2><p>At Cross Country Education, we’re honored to work with the best of the best from across the nation as they strive to improve kids' lives every day! This time, we’re spotlighting two dedicated and passionate school counselors, Carlynn P. and Oksana S.</p><p>Here, Carlynn and Oksana each share why they decided to become school counselors, what they enjoy most about working with the Cross Country Education team and schools, and what advice they have for school counselors just now embarking on their careers.</p><h2>Carlynn P.</h2><h3>Why did you become a counselor?</h3><p>While a research assistant at Morehouse School of Medicine, I developed a violence prevention/leadership program for underserved youth. This experience sparked my passion for addressing mental health needs of youth in schools and led me to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Psychology-School Counseling and Guidance from New York University. As a school counselor for almost 10 years, I enjoy supporting students’ success by fostering resilience and developing interventions that address their social-emotional needs.</p><h3>What do you like most about working as a counselor with Cross Country Education?</h3><p>Cross Country Education has been instrumental in my professional development and growth as a counselor. As my first job after graduate school, I have remained with the company for almost 8 years due to the positive work environment and the unique opportunity DIS Counselors get to provide direct services to K-12 students.</p><h3>What have you liked most about your experience working at CCE schools?</h3><p>I appreciate the support and collaboration I get from CCE school sites. They treat you as part of the staff and value the experience counseling providers bring to their schools.</p><h3>What advice would you give to someone starting out as a counselor?</h3><p>Practice self-care! “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” In this profession we often carry the emotions of the students we support. Strive to live a healthy and balanced life so you can give your professional self fully to your students.</p><h2>Oksana S.</h2><h3>Why did you become a counselor?</h3><p>I had an amazing counselor in high school, who helped me navigate through all the emotional, social, and academic crises. I wanted to help students in the same way.</p><h3>What do you like most about being a counselor with Cross Country Education?</h3><p>I like that Cross Country creates a perfect balance between professional support, creative freedom, and scheduling flexibility. I am especially grateful that I was able to continue working with students from home last year. Cross Country helped me transition counseling services to virtual platforms and provided tech support and online resources.</p><h3>What have you liked most about your experience working at CCE schools?</h3><p>The best part of CCE schools is the students! Seeing how resilient our students are, how much progress they make every year, inspires and motivates me every day. I also have made great professional connections with dedicated teachers and staff, who are passionate about their work, regardless of numerous challenges and obstacles.</p><h3>What advice would you give to someone starting out as a counselor?</h3><p>I attribute most of my professional success to building rapport and connecting with students, letting them know that you see them as people, not just clients. It's okay to care about them, in fact, it's necessary. They are depending on you to understand them so that they can understand themselves and begin healing. Be open, vulnerable and treat them genuinely and with care.</p><h2>School Counselor Opportunities</h2><p>If, like Carlynn and Oksana, you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of students and embark on a meaningful adventure as a school counselor, explore our <a href="https://www.crosscountryeducation.com/job-search" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">career opportunities</a> today.</p><p><br></p>

Employee Spotlight – Counselors Carlynn P. and Oksana S.