I believe that all children can learn and be successful in school given the proper support and encouragement. I have worked as an elementary school counselor for 9 years, and have also worked with children ages 5-12 in a private practice agency doing play/sand tray therapy. Previously, I taught Parent Education classes for the Boise School District (Positive Discipline, Love and Logic, Parenting for Stressed Out Parents, etc.) I want to say "thank you" to all the parents, teachers, and staff at Jefferson for welcoming me so warmly this year.

Focus areas:

• Classroom guidance: Lessons are taught in the following areas: School Success, Conflict Resolution, Personal Safety, and Career Education.
• Small groups: Each fall and spring I conduct small counseling groups in the areas of: Divorce/Family Changes, Friendship/Social Skills, Grief/Loss, and Anger Management/Problem Solving.  Please contact me or your child's teacher for a permission form.
• Individual work with students:  Brief, solution focused individual counseling is provided on a limited basis.
• Parent education:  Classes are taught by certified school counselors.  Please go the the Boise School District webite under Parent Education for more information.
• Mentoring:  Jefferson School has many, many adults who mentor students in a variety of ways.  We also work with Gem State Kiwanis and Macy's employees.
• Parent/staff consultation:  Appointments and consultations with the school counselor can be made by Bonnie Benson.  I am here to assist you and your family.
• Other special programs:  I am the Mentor Coordinator, Safe and Drug Free Schools/Red Ribbon Week Coordinator, and the Case Manager for Section 504.  I am also on the Elementary School Counselor curriculum committee that updates the guidance curriculum that is taught in the classroom.  I am the Coordinator for the McKinney-Veto homeless fund money as well.

Bonnie Benson, M.A.  L.P.C.

Educational background and experience:  Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education, Masters of Arts degree in School Counseling.  Nine years as an elementary school counselor, one year as a third grade teacher.  Currently certified as a K-12 School Counselor and K-8 Teacher.

To email the counselor please use the following convention:
firstname.lastname@boiseschools.org

For more information about our District's Counseling program:
District Counseling Department | Classroom Guidance Units | Small Groups
Parent Education | Individual Student Counseling & Parent/Staff Consultation