In honor of National School Counseling Week, XAP and Bridges would like to recognize...

Christine Sarao
St. Lucie Elementary
St. Lucie County, Florida

As a school counselor at St. Lucie Elementary School in Fort Pierce, Florida, Christine Sarao loves helping everyone at her school.

"The best part of my job is the direct contact with students," she says. Her interaction includes one-on-one counseling and group work. She also coordinates the school's state testing, a time-consuming task.

Sarao says the worst part of the testing administration is the time it takes away from the students. The testing involves a lot of paperwork and coordination, but she still finds the time to help her students through tough academic, social or family issues. She also works hard to ensure that families who are not fluent in English have equal access to the school's resources.

In addition to helping students, Sarao provides support for the teachers at her school in order to give them the tools they need to help their students.

"I spend a great deal of time consulting with teachers on interventions and strategies to increase student achievement and decrease behavior problems," she says.

"In order for teachers to improve their effectiveness with students, it is important that they have the appropriate support."

Sarao has been at St. Lucie for three years and has worked in the school counseling field for 15 years. She is a nationally certified school counselor.

When she's not helping students, parents and teachers, Sarao performs in ballet and contemporary dance.

Bridges Transitions congratulates Christine Sarao for making a difference in the lives of her students!

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