The FSCA Membership Committee spotlights a member each month.
The March Spotlight is Gigi McIntire, an elementary school counselor from Broward County. She has been a school counselor for 25 years and prior to that was an elementary school teacher for 15 years.
What is your why for becoming a school counselor? Making a difference each day for elementary school children and their families.
Do you have any fun or interesting facts you could share about being a school counselor? I have recently become a registered yoga instructor with a focus on children. I weave these skills into all my counseling activities.
Could you share any best practice ideas for our fellow counselors? Incorporating a Mindful Moment into your School Counseling Plan. I do this every day on the morning announcements. Monday is CONNECT, Tuesday is BREATHE, Wednesday is MOVE, Thursday is FOCUS, and Friday is RELAX. (from Little Flower Yoga)
Is there any research you have done that would like to share? I have not done my own research, but I did assist a counselor with data regarding using yoga in the schools.
Taylor, J. V., Gibson, D. M., & Conley, A. H. (2019). Integrating Yoga into a Comprehensive School Counseling Program: A Qualitative Approach. Professional School Counseling, 22(1), 2156759X19857921.
How does FSCA support you as a school counselor? FSCA gives me wonderful resources online and in person at annual conferences.
Have you attended the annual FSCA conference? Yes, I try to go every year if possible.
What are the benefits of attending the FSCA conference? Learning new skills and collaborating with old and new colleagues. One of my biggest inspirations at the FSCA conferences over the past few years has been meeting Julie Frizzi and learning about her Powerful You program. Her work using yoga in her school counseling program and her resources have been a great addition to my toolbox!
If you would like to learn more about Gigi’s school counseling program, you may email her at gigi.mcintire@browardschools.com. If you have a unique aspect of your school counseling program that you would be willing to share, please email bennett@fla-schoolcounselor.org FSCA Membership Chair, to set up an interview for an upcoming edition.
