Hello, my name is Erika Pilato and I am continuing my journey as the school counselor at Essex Fells School helping all students reach their full potenial academically, socially and emotionally.  This will be my 16th year as a school counselor and my 3rd year at EFS.

As the School Counselor, my goals are to:

* Promote a positive attitude among students towards self, family, peers and community.

* Teach social and emotional learning skills to all students such as self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision making, self-management and relationship skills.

* Contribute to the growth of students' social and emotional development through individual and small group counseling.

* Develop and deliver lessons that teach character traits -- Empathy, Sportmanship, Respect, Trustworthiness, Courage, Kindness, Responsibility, Mindfulness, Gratitude and Perseverance.

* Support all classroom teachers and staff in teaching social and emotional learning skills.

* Help students to recognize and make the best of their abilities.

* Provide crisis intervention. 

* Help to create a safe and positive learning experience