National School Counseling Week, observed from February 3 through February 7, highlights the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth. This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and impact of school counselors who work tirelessly to guide, advocate, and empower students to reach their full potential. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of providing students with the resources, encouragement, and support they need to navigate their educational journey.
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we are spotlighting several of our school counselors and the invaluable work they do. Heidi Williams, a school counselor at Woodbury Elementary School, is one of many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to create a positive and welcoming school environment where students feel heard, supported, and prepared for success.
Learn more about their experiences and insights by reading Williams' responses to the following Q&A:
What inspired you to pursue a career in school counseling?
I wanted to be a school counselor because I wanted to help kids. It really was just that simple. Our students face a variety of challenges each day and I just wanted to be someone in their corner teaching them skills to be successful and cheering them on along the way.
How do MCSD’s programs or resources support your efforts to help students thrive?
MCSD offers a wide range of programs and resources designed to support students’ academic, emotional, and social well-being, which greatly enhances my ability as a counselor to help students thrive. I appreciate having our Fly Five curriculum to help teach these skills to our students and I have also appreciated the training I have been provided in Collaborative Problem solving as I have seen it have a huge impact on student growth.
What makes Marshalltown’s approach to counseling unique?
I feel very strongly about using the Collaborative Problem Solving approach in counseling as it helps students build skills such as empathy, improves their attention and working memory, and helps them to be better problem solvers. I think the training and support we have been given to implement this is very unique to Marshalltown.
What do you find most rewarding about serving students and families in MCSD?
What I find most rewarding about serving students and families in MCSD is the opportunity to build strong, genuine relationships within such a beautiful and diverse community. The district’s culture of collaboration and support allows me to connect deeply with students and their families, understanding their unique stories, strengths, and challenges.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a counselor?
The most rewarding part of being a counselor is building meaningful relationships with students and witnessing their growth as they begin to believe in themselves. I love seeing a student overcome challenges, recognize their strengths, and realize their potential.
I feel like every moment spent supporting a student’s journey is incredibly rewarding. Watching their confidence grow and knowing I’ve played a part in helping them see their worth and capabilities is what makes this work so special to me.
What does it mean to you to Embrace The Lead?
To me, "Embrace The Lead" means stepping up with courage, compassion, and purpose to guide students toward their full potential. As a school counselor, it’s about being a role model who fosters resilience, inspires confidence, and helps students navigate challenges with a sense of hope and direction. It also means collaborating with educators, families, and the community to create a supportive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.