Counseling
Meet Your School Counselor
Ms. Noel is available to help students at any grade level.
Ms. Noel's Office Hours
- Wednesdays from 8am to 1:30pm
- Thursdays from 8am to 2:30pm
- Fridays from 8am to 12:30pm
Walk In Hours
Wednesdays from 8am-9am
To contact Ms. Noel please call (505) 888-1648 ex. 44218 or email her at noel.blair@aps.edu
Meet Your School Behavior Redirector
Ms. Farrah is here to help your student:
- Have a safe calm down space
- Work out problems with their classmates
- Understand their feelings and emotions
- Learn strategies to help them regulate
Ms. Farrah's Office Hours
- Tuesday through Thursday from 8am - 3pm
- Fridays from 8am - 12:30pm
To contact Ms. Farrah please call (505) 888-1648 ex. 44217 or email her at Farrah.nickerson@aps.edu
Vision Statement
The vision of the Desert Willow Family School counseling program is for every student to graduate as a resilient, empathetic, and lifelong learner, fully equipped with the academic, career, and social-emotional skills necessary to navigate a dynamic world. In close partnership with our unique family-centered community, our students actively embrace challenges, celebrate diversity, and confidently pursue their unique passions, ultimately growing into compassionate, responsible global citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Desert Willow Family School counseling department is to provide a comprehensive, data-driven, and developmentally appropriate school counseling program that advocates for equity, access, and success for all students. By collaborating with educators, families, and our unique community, the school counseling program delivers systemic interventions, intentional core curriculum, and individual advisement. We are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every student’s academic potential is maximized, social-emotional well-being is supported, and career aspirations are cultivated.
What Happens In A School Counselor's Office?
One-on-one, small group, or classroom support in these areas:
Academics:

- Organizational help
- Time management skills
- Support in communicating with teachers
- Parent conferences
Personal/Social Development
- Individual and small-group counseling
- Peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills
- Communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution
- Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
- Brief counseling for anxiety, depression, family or life changes, big feelings
- Referrals for counseling, other mental health resources
Career Development
- High School exploration/awareness
- College exploration/awareness
- Career exploration/awareness
