Welcome to my blog! My name is Tonya Allen and I am the new district support counselor for Carroll ISD. I am so excited to be a part of the Southlake Carroll community as well as a new resident of the state of Texas.
First, I'd like to give you a little bit of my background. I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I graduated from high school. After college and graduate school, I obtained my LPC. For 12 years, I worked as a therapist for a therapeutic foster care agency, both in Tulsa and in Oklahoma City. When I moved to Oklahoma City, I decided I wanted to be a school counselor and got an endorsement on my teaching certificate. For 4 years, I worked as a middle school counselor. The last 3 years I spent as an elementary school counselor, serving primarily pre-k through second grade. As much as I loved my job, I knew I was ready for a move and had always considered moving to Texas. When the job as district support counselor became available, I knew it would be a perfect fit for my background and education. My 14-year old daughter just started her freshman year and absolutely loves the high school, the people, and the environment.
As the district support counselor, I hope to assist students, faculty and staff, parents, families, and the Southlake Community. In addition to helping students in crisis, I will maintain my monthly blog, identify resources, plan and organize parent meetings, facilitate various student groups and clubs, support the district counselors, provide assistance for students new to the district, and participate in administrative meetings.
In my blogs, I hope to educate and inform about topics of interest to parents and students. Next month, I will be addressing the importance of using social media responsibly and effectively. It is essential for students to not only be aware of safety issues but also understand how social media can help them in their education and future endeavors.
As I become more acquainted with the community, I would appreciate it if you would provide me with feedback about my blog or anything else that might help me to better serve you. In addition, if there are certain "hot topics" you would like to see in upcoming blogs or in scheduling guest speakers, please let me know. Finally, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me at tonya.allen@southlakecarroll.edu.
Have a wonderful year!
Tonya Allen, M.S., LPC
District Support Counselor
Carroll ISD
"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."
