Dear Members of the Louisiana School Counseling Association,

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As school counselors and counselor educators, we hold the responsibility of helping students chart the course of their lives. Whether we are guiding them through critical decisions about academics and post-secondary planning, career exploration, or fostering essential social emotional skills, our work lays the foundation for lifelong growth and success. We help them navigate challenges and learn how to advocate for themselves and others—building confidence and resilience to become the kind of leaders who make a meaningful impact in any environment.

Our theme for this year, Charting the Course: Navigating Change, Leading with Impact, reflects both what we do every day for our students and what we must also do for ourselves and our profession. We are often the calm in the storm, helping others through uncertainty while adapting to new policies and shifting expectations. We are uniquely positioned as campus leaders who influence policy, promote student well-being, and respond with grace and grit to the constant changes in education and counseling.

As we chart this course together, I’m truly looking forward to collaborating with you, learning from you, and continuing to support one another in meaningful ways. We will continue to build on the momentum of recent years—strengthening our foundation, offering  practical tools and resources, timely support, and a space where school counselors feel seen, heard, and empowered.

A key focus this year will be enhancing transparency with our membership, strengthening communication, and cultivating partnerships with organizations that understand the vital role of school counselors. These intentional efforts will support our shared mission of educating and nurturing our students as a whole, and helping them become their best selves.  

I want to let you know how honored I am to serve in this role.  Similar to many of you, I became a school counselor because I enjoy helping students navigate changes that may or may not be within their circle of control.  It is a privilege to be part of their stories.

Thank you for the care and compassion that you pour into your students—your work makes a difference. I look forward to what we will accomplish in the year ahead as we navigate change and lead with impact!

With appreciation,

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Danielle Thomas, EdS, LPC, NCC

Chair, Louisiana School Counselor Association