Meet the Counselor
Contact Me
Leslie Atherton
leslie.atherton@pfisd.net
(512) 594-4502
Meet Ms. Atherton
Welcome to Dearing Elementary! My name is Leslie Atherton and I am so excited about being your child's school counselor this year. My education began when I attended Texas Womans University in Denton, Texas and graduated with a BA degree in 2006. I have taught Kindergarten through seventh grade, special education, and intensive behavior. During my years as an educator, I became passionate about helping families further and began to pursue my Master’s Degree in school counseling. I graduated with my Masters in School Counseling in December 2016. I live in the Georgetown area with my son Reagan and we have 3 dogs.
Counseling Program Overview
The school counseling program assists students in having a successful school experience by providing services such as classroom counselor lessons, small counseling groups, individual counseling, mentoring programs, community referrals, and assessments.
Classroom Counselor Lessons
Each month classrooms will visit my office to learn interpersonal and intra-personal skills.
September: Getting to know the Counselor
October: Bully Prevention
October/November: Personal Safety
November: Respect
December: Caring/Empathy
January: Responsibility
February: Fairness
March: Career Awareness
April: Trustworthiness
May: Citizenship
Small Groups
Small counseling groups are offered in the fall and the spring. These groups are designed to teach students a process of identifying their goals and specific skills to be able to reach their goals.
Students are chosen because a teacher or parent thinks they may benefit from and enjoy the group. Small group members meet once a week over the course of six to eight weeks. Students are required to obtain parental permission before attending any small counseling group.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is offered on an as needed basis. The school counselor can provide parents with information for referrals to counselors and/or therapists in the community if needed.