You Matter: Life calling leads STAN Counselor to Ed White
You matter.
It’s a powerful reminder to everyone who walks into Kristen Latronico’s office at Ed White Middle School.
“I had one of our art teachers write ‘You Matter’ on the wall so everyone sees it as soon as they come in,” said Latronico. “I want them to know their life matters. It matters every day.”
Latronico was built to be a STAN Counselor. By definition, she’s a crucial member of North East ISD’s Student Teacher Assistance Network. Her role on campus cannot be overstated. As a trained intervention counselor, she’s on call 24/7 for every student, teacher and staff member.
“The job of a STAN counselor is to intervene and help students and teachers. We’re here to help alleviate the mental health issues our students and staff are facing today. Counselors are designed to carry everyone else’s emotions when they need a break. So, my office is a safe space for any student or teacher to come when they need a break.”
After years of searching, Latronico feels like she’s finally in the right place at the right time. She always knew she wanted to work with children. While working as a nurse in a mental health facility, she discovered her passion for counseling. The rest is history.
“Watching the STAN counselors at work, I realized that’s my calling,” said Latronico. “That’s what I was designed to do. That’s what I was built to do. I couldn’t imagine doing anything different and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
STAN Counselors are specifically trained to help students and staff through the complex challenges facing them at school, at home and in their community. They provide a safe space to discuss personal issues, foster communication and conflict resolution skills and provide healthy coping outlets to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Simply put, Latronico shows up for everyone every day. Her role at Ed White is so much more than a job. It’s her life calling to put others before herself and like so many incredible NEISD counselors, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Every child has a story and you have to have empathy and sympathy to be able to connect with them. I want them to know you can see your future. You can move forward and get past all of the messiness that’s in between.”
Feb. 1 – 5 is National School Counseling Week. Take a moment to thank your counselor for their incredible work to support the social, emotional and academic needs of every NEISD student, teacher and staff member.