MS ACHESON: I have previously worked in elementary school for 13 years and noticed that a lot of students were having mental health crisis so I thought maybe moving up to the middle school and doing this job will allow me to focus on mental health.

MT: What are you most excited for this year with mental health?

MA: I’m excited for the mental health club, actually, today is world mental health day so I just sent out an email to some of my previous co-workers letting them know that I love and appreciate their support because our focus is mental health in the workplace. I’m excited to get students active and really talking about mental health and kind of breaking the stigma that is associated with mental health issues.

MT: Out of all your students what topic do they talk about the most?

MA: Oh, drama, so much drama.

MT: You hosted events like selling bracelets last year. What events are you hosting this year? Anything different that you are excited about?

MA: Yes, I am teaming up with Mr. Catalano and Mrs. Cioffi and I’m going to be helping with the WRISE Club so we’re hoping to bring more awareness and some action to our students in the lgbtqia community and also the allies that want to support that community so I’m excited about that.

MT: What are your plans for next year as a counselor?

MA: I think each year I learn a lot more about WMS and what our needs look like. So I would like to start doing some more things that are educational and proactive instead of always kind of having to react to the explosive things that occur.

MT: Was there ever a situation that made you want to go crazy?

MA: I don’t know about going crazy, but I am one of those people who kind of feel people’s energy so there’s definitely been times where I have felt people’s negative energy and it impacts me in a not great way.

MT: What is one thing you like about working at a school?

MA: I love the access to kids from all different communities and population, socioeconomic status, cultural background, especially in Woodbridge we are just from everywhere, all walks of life, so I love that.

MT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

MA: Thank you for my interview!