From Classroom to Playroom~My Journey from Teaching to Counseling

For six years, I lived and breathed the fast-paced world of education. Teaching across elementary, middle, and high school, in settings that ranged from general education and electives to coaching, special education, and alternative schools. My days were filled with lesson plans, group projects, practices and games, data meetings, and individualized academic and behavioral plans;all while striving to meet each student exactly where they were.

Now, my work takes place in the playroom. Instead of desks, papers, and pencils, I’m surrounded by toys, art supplies, games, and cozy corners designed for conversation and creativity. My role has shifted from academic instruction to supporting children and families through the stages of development, the ups and downs of everyday life, and the process of discovering their potential

The Classroom Experience

Teaching across all grade levels gave me a deep appreciation for the ways kids grow from childhood into adolescence.

*Elementary school is about building the foundation.Helping kids find joy in learning, understand routines, and use tools to express emotions and connect with others.

*Middle school brings the challenge of identity, big emotions, shifting social dynamics, and the excitement of after-school activities.

*High school requires supporting students as they prepare for life after graduation. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, friendships, and big decisions about the future.

Through it all, the classroom was about more than academics. It was about relationships, connection, and creating safe environments where students could learn, make mistakes, and take risks.

The Playroom Experience

In the playroom, the focus shifts. While school emphasizes academics and socialization, counseling emphasizes emotional health, resilience, and growth.

*For younger children, toys become a language for expressing feelings they don’t yet have words for.

*For middle schoolers, a board game can open up conversations about friendships, boundaries, and self-esteem.

*For high school students, journaling or art provides space to process anxiety, depression, or the stress of “what’s next.”

The classroom is about knowledge gained. The playroom is about emotions expressed. Both settings are essential to healthy development.

Similarities and Differences

My title and setting have changed, but my heart for kids hasn’t.

As a counselor, I focus on building trust and rapport, creating a safe space where children feel seen and heard. My background in education gives me insight into developmental stages and school challenges, helping me identify deeper needs that may require nurturing.

* In the classroom, structure and group focus guide the work, and progress shows up in grades and test scores.

* In the playroom, the environment is unstructured and individualized, and progress looks like emotional regulation, coping skills, stronger relationships, and self-discovery.

Both roles share a common goal: supporting the growth of the whole child.

Personal Growth Through the Transition

This transition hasn’t been easy. As Fred Rogers said, “Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind.”

I’ve shed many tears leaving behind the students I taught and coached. But I carry with me every experience that now shapes who I am as a counselor. I know firsthand the academic and behavioral struggles kids face in school, struggles that are often rooted in emotional challenges. Having both perspectives allows me to bridge the gap between learning and healing, partnering with families and schools to support the child’s total wellbeing.

At the end of the day, every child deserves to be seen, heard, and believed in. Whether that support comes from home, school, or the playroom, it matters. Education shapes our minds, and counseling nurtures our hearts. When the two work together, we create stronger systems of care for kids and families.

My Purpose as a Counselor

My purpose is to weave together my love of teaching and my passion for helping kids thrive. Today, I focus on educating and inspiring children and families to connect, equipping them with coping skills and tools that serve them both in and beyond the classroom.

I am here to support kids, parents, and families as they navigate school, home, and everyday life. I believe deeply in the strength of the family unit. I want every client to know they are valued—that their time, knowledge, and experiences matter.

You are the experts of your family. My role is to walk alongside you, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as your child grows into their fullest self.

From classroom to playroom, my mission remains the same: helping kids feel safe, capable, and deeply believed in