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  • Hello Garden Oaks Montessori Magnet (GOMM) Families,

    My name is Liliana Staples, and I am delighted to introduce myself as your new school counselor. Many of you might recognize me from my previous role as a teacher in the Children’s House, where I had the pleasure of guiding our youngest learners. With many years of experience as a Montessori teacher, this background has enriched my knowledge and understanding of the importance of nurturing the whole child.

    As I transition into the role of school counselor, I remain committed to our mission to provide authentic public Montessori education to a diverse learning community and the vision that our students will receive a world-class, student-centered education and apply their learning from our nurturing community to become agents of change in the real world.

    In line with these guiding principles, my goal as your school counselor is to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the holistic development of every student. This includes supporting their social, emotional, mental, academic, and physical growth. I am dedicated to creating an environment where all students feel safe, valued, and cared for, which is essential for meaningful learning and personal growth.

    Here are some of the services I will be offering to support our students and community:

    • Classroom Guidance Lessons: Engaging sessions on topics such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
    • Individual Counseling: Personalized one-on-one support to address students’ personal and academic needs.
    • Small Group Counseling: Focused group sessions to develop specific skills such as social interaction, coping strategies, and friendship building.
    • Crisis Response: Immediate and effective support during times of crisis or emergency.
    • Consultation and Referrals: Collaborating with parents, teachers, and external resources to provide comprehensive support.
    • Collaboration: Partnering with teachers, parents, leadership, and community members to ensure the best outcomes for our students.

    I am here to support our staff and families in every way possible to help our students thrive and to achieve the goals we all share for their success. Please feel free to reach out to me at martha.staples@houstonisd.org or stop by my office to say hello!  look forward to working together to make this school year a wonderful experience for all our students.

    Warm regards,

    Liliana Staples