What makes for a good school counselor? Start with the ability to listen and respond thoughtfully and effectively. Add to that patience, empathy and encouragement. That describes our own Casey Wirtz, Calais School Counselor for 12 Plus students.

Ms. Wirtz began her career at Calais in 2020 as a paraprofessional, earning her Master’s and moving up to the role of Calais 12 Plus Counselor in 2023. Like so many Calais staff, Ms. Wirtz is a believer in lifelong learning and continually pursues her education in her field. Currently, she is working towards her certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of New Jersey.

She describes her individualized approach to counseling. “My counseling style is oriented to person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, both of which are focused on supporting and empathizing with students through an individualized approach that seeks to challenge negative thoughts, establish healthy coping skills, and embrace our humanness with a growth mindset through meaningful reflection.”

Colleagues and staff value her special ability to bond with her 12 Plus students and put out an occasional fire. Calais colleague Pat Ahearn remarks on her effective interactions with students, “I am constantly amazed by how she is able to de-escalate situations with so many of the 12+ students.”

Ms. Wirtz has become a vital resource in the 12 Plus program. She is always there to support her students and guide them toward thoughtful decisions about their behavior as well as academic, social and emotional choices. She is specifically drawn to special education because it allows her to take on multi roles —  as an advocate to support others’ needs, a team-player who can work with staff to collaborate on how to best serve students, and, of course, a counselor who can encourage students to recognize the potential they all have within themselves to reach their dreams.

Ms. Wirtz stresses the importance of self care in order to be good at her job. “A key aspect to being able to serve my students is to be mindful of my self-care practices, and I am certainly continuing to practice setting healthy boundaries with myself to ensure that I am ready for whatever each day brings me with my students.”

Ms. Wirtz truly loves working at Calais because of the supportive family-like environment within the school where staff dedicate themselves towards supporting the needs of every student. “Belonging” is her word of choice when describing The Calais School and we say, right back at you, Ms. Wirtz. You are where you belong.