School Counseling

Our Mission

The school counseling program at Colonial Heights Middle School is both data-informed and comprehensive, focusing equitable access to support all students in achieving their maximum potential.  In partnership with highly qualified staff, families and the community, the school counselors ensure that each student has the skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed to become effective responsible citizens, as well as lifelong learners in a challenging and engaging environment.

Our Vision

Colonial Heights Middle School strives to create a safe learning environment where all students are inspired. Students will be prepared for present and future challenges both in and outside of the school building. They will grow as learners and people, carrying these tools into their adolescence and adulthood. Ultimately, reaching their full potential and making a positive impact throughout their future education and employment, spanning 5-15 years in the future.

Our Beliefs

  • Every student can learn, and every student can succeed

  • Every student should have access to an opportunity for a high quality education

  • Every student should graduate from high school prepared for employment, enlistment, or further education.

  • Every student should have access to a school counseling program.

  • Effective school counseling is a collaborative process involving school counselors, students, families, teachers, administrators and education stakeholders.

  • Counselors are leaders in the school, district, state and nation.

  • Comprehensive school counseling programs promote and enhance student academic, career, and social/emotional outcomes.

Meet Your Counseling Team

Amber Underhill

6th Grade Counselor

amber_underhill@colonialhts.net

Mrs. Underhill graduated from Jakarta Intercultural school in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2001. From there she studied music education and psychology at Virginia Tech, graduating in 2005. She spent the following 10 years working in the medical field at Bon Secours in Richmond.  In 2017 she completed her Master of Education as a Counselor Educator from Virginia State University.   Before joining the Colonials family in 2023, she spent 5 years as a school counselor at HEJ Elementary School in Hopewell, VA.  When she is not spending time playing pickleball, she enjoys reading, traveling, attending outdoor festivals, and exploring state parks with her husband and their two sons.

Rebekah Rosen

7th & 8th Grade Counselor

rebekah_rosen@colonialhts.net

Mrs. Rosen is a 2001 graduate of Colonial Heights Public Schools. After high school, she attended Richard Bland College for an associates’ degree in 2003, Virginia Commonwealth University for a bachelors’ degree in Psychology in 2007 and then in 2012 received a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from Virginia State University. Mrs. Rosen has been a part of the CHMS counseling team since 2021 and in her spare time enjoys reading, binge watching favorite TV shows and movies and spending time with her husband and two fur babies.

Amy Jarvis

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Jarvis studied education and sociology at The College of William and Mary. Upon graduation, Mrs. Jarvis began her education career as a 5th grade teacher with the Hopewell Public School System. Mrs. Jarvis went on to teach grades 2, 4, 5, 7th and 8th grade English in that same school system. She joined the Colonial Heights School System in the 2017-2018 school year teaching 7th grade Life Science, and then 8th grade English at Colonial Heights Middle School. Since 2022, Mrs. Jarvis has been a part of the School Counseling Office. When she is not working, Mrs. Jarvis enjoys thrifting, working in her yard, and spending time with her family and two puppy babies named Gidget and Gulliver.

What is a School Counselor?

School counselors are mental health professionals who work in an educational setting, with  specialized training in academic, career, and social/emotional development.   Much of our work with students is confidential, which means we respect your child’s right to privacy.  If there is something we think you need to know about, we will contact you!

What do we help our students with?

  • Goal Setting

  • Academic Planning

  • Attendance Support

  • School-Related Concerns

  • Problem-Solving

  • Decision-Making Skills

  • Career Development

  • College Planning

  • Study Skills

  • Time Management & Organization

  • Emotional Regulation

  • Relationship Concerns

  • Coping Skills

  • Self-Identity

  • Bullying

  • Stress/Anxiety

  • Mental Wellness 

  • Self-Esteem

  • Grief/Loss

  • Transitions

How do we advocate for all students?

  • Provide Tiered Interventions:

    • Short-term individual counseling

    • Small group counseling

    • Classroom prevention lessons

  • Monitor Student Data:

    • Achievement

    • Attendance

    • Behavior

  • Referrals (mental health, homelessness, child/abuse neglect)

  • School Threat Assessment Team

  • Collaboration/Consultation

    • Community organizations

    • Staff

    • Administration 

    • Families

  • Assist students w/postsecondary exposure

    • Employment

    • Education

    • Enlistmentment

  • School Leadership Team