Guidance Department

It seems like just yesterday that we were opening our doors for in-person instruction. Having students and staff present everyday lifts people’s spirits.  We still recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on our daily lives.  We are continually looking through the lens of how our school’s practices affect student and staff mental health.

Assistant Principal of Guidance Ms. Williams is on a leave of absence, and the administrative team shifted our responsibilities.  This will allow us to direct our energies to continue supporting the school community.

I am pleased to include in my responsibilities the role of supervising our Guidance Department.  I supervise r Guidance Counselors, Post-Secondary Specialist, Social Workers, and Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialist (SAPIS).

We are very fortunate to have a guidance staff full of knowledgeable, caring professionals working with our students and their families. Our guidance staff regularly collaborate to provide the support that each individual student needs. We have significantly reduced the student:guidance staff ratio by approximately 100 students.  This intentional focusing of resources improves our ability to be responsive to the needs of our students and families.

As some responsibilities cross over among roles, here are brief, broad descriptions of what the various positions within the Guidance Department entail. All guidance staff support students in all four grades.

Guidance Counselors

• Work with students to address competencies related to career/college readiness, academic skills and social/emotional development
• Support students in developing and implement a post-secondary plan
• Support students who exhibit attendance, academic, behavioral or adjustment challenges and encourage parent/guardian involvement to support student success.
• Provide individual counseling services where designated on a student's IEP
• Screen for progress towards meeting graduation requirements

 An updated directory is listed at the bottom of the email,  and an online directory of Guidance Counselors may be found on our website under Guidance Services.

Post-Secondary Specialist

• Specializes in assisting and providing resources to all students and families.
• Provides school-wide and grade-wide communication surrounding post-secondary planning. This includes email communication, Zoom events, and newsletters for students grade 9-12.
  • Post-Secondary is the time after high school and can include: 2 and 4 year college enrollment, conservatory training, art school, trade school, military service, and entering the workforce.
• Supplements post-secondary support provided by the primary Guidance Counselor, including meeting with students and families individually when appropriate. 
• Provides an in-house resource for answering questions that may extend beyond a traditional knowledge base of other school staff.  This includes college applications, financial aid, standardized testing, entering the workforce, etc. 
• Facilitates fee-waiver distribution for standardized exams and CUNY applications.

Social Workers

• Respond to students in crisis, providing de-escalation and immediate assessment.
• Work with students on developing a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being. 
• Support students by promoting a sense of acceptance, respect, support and inclusion for self and others in the school environment.
• Foster a positive attitude toward work and learning.
• Work with students individually and in groups to accomplish short-term wellness goals.
• Provide appropriate referrals for external support services as needed.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialist (SAPIS)

• Implements an alcohol and substance abuse prevention and intervention program
• Provides education, life skills, alcohol, drug prevention and intervention services to students as well as parents/guardians and community members as appropriate. 
• Reinforce positive attitudes through targeted skill-building known to prevent future substance abuse, such as positive alternatives, peer leadership, mediation/conflict resolution, life skills training, relationships training, and social emotional learning opportunities.
• Provides Intervention counseling services aimed at high-risk students (students with academic, attendance, behavioral, family, or substance abuse challenges)

Please feel free to contact me at mstricklin@schools.nyc.gov if I can be of assistance.  Students and staff are encouraged to stop by my office on the second floor, Room 234A.

Allison Kleiman

akleiman@schools.nyc.gov

Allison Kleiman (she/her) has been working in the NYCDOE since 2008. Prior to that, her past experience includes working in Undergraduate Admissions at Fordham University. She is a NACAC, CACNY, and NYSACAC member and was an elected high school delegate to NYSACAC.  Born and raised in Indianapolis, Ms. Kleiman holds a B.A. from Tufts University, where she majored in Child Development and minored in Art History. She went on to earn an Ed. M. in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University.  

Rooted in serving students from a strengths based perspective, Ms. Kleiman's role as Post-Secondary Specialist is designed to help her support all LaGuardia students as they plan for their future after high school. Her role is to help students understand their full range of options and discover the next chapter that fits them best.

Ebony Campbell, DSW, LMSW

Ewrightcampbell@schools.nyc.gov

Dr. E. Campbell is a Licensed Master Social Worker who has a passion for working with young people, which is why has spent her entire 15 year career in schools. Dr. Campbell works from the strengths perspective when working with students. She firmly believes that helping young people focus on their internal strengths and positive coping strategies will help them build a positive mindset. The strengths perspective helps young people build on their best qualities, find their inherit strengths, and improves their resilience.

Dr. Campbell provides brief individual and group counseling, along with crisis intervention. She also specializes in workshops around racism, sexism, women's empowerment, relationship abuse and prevention, life skills and many more. Dr. Campbell believes in empowering students to stand in their truth and meeting them where they are.

Lauren Lydiard, LCSW

llydiard3@schools.nyc.gov

Ms. Lauren Lydiard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is honored to be a mental health provider for the LaGuardia student population. Ms. Lauren graduated valedictorian from Silberman School of Social Work, and she was awarded the 2019 Advocate for NYC Award from the Mayor's Office. Ms. Lauren specializes in providing support around grief, anxiety & depression, unhealthy/abusive relationships, sexuality, and transgender/non-binary topics. Ms. Lauren works closely with the exceptional LaGuardia Guidance team to provide school-based support to students. She believes in cultivating youth resilience by teaching adaptable coping strategies and centering student voices.

LaKeisha Fable, LCSW, School Based Support Team Social Worker 

Lfable2@schools.nyc.gov 

Ms. Fable is an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is a part of the School Based Support Team (SBST). The SBST supports the achievement of students who are struggling academically or behaviorally. The outcome of an SBST meeting is the development of an Individualized Education Plan for Special Education Students. 

Ms. Fable is driven by providing support, resources and skills to students and families in need. Ms. Fable takes pride in providing the best services and support that caters to an individual or group’s needs. Her goals include assisting students and families overcome whatever obstacle(s) or challenge(s) that may arise. In addition to her primary job functions which include participating in the SBST, Ms. Fable also provides short term group and individual counseling. 

Evelyn Carela

ecarela2@schools.nyc.gov

The Substance Abuse Prevention Intervention Specialist (SAPIS) supports students through a variety of issues.  The SAPIS provides social-emotional learning workshops and substance prevention education.  An empowerment & leadership program helps students growth and maturity.  Ms. Carella also provides short term, one-to-one services.   Ms. Carella partners with the Department of Health, the Mayor's Office to combat Dating Violence.  Our SAPIS works closely with   the Guidance and Support team. Teachers, staff, students, or family members can submit referrals. Please contact Ms. Carella if you need suppport or resources.