Guidance and Counseling

Megan Simmons MSW, LMSW-CC

I’m beginning my second year here at VCS and feel honored to support our students and families each day. I’ve been a social worker for over 13 years and currently work with students who have IEPs, providing social-emotional support and helping them navigate challenges both in and out of the classroom.

Before joining VCS, I spent seven years working with the Department of Health and Human Services, helping families access critical resources and support. I’m also a proud disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, where my social work career began. 

I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New England, with a background in trauma-informed care, crisis management, and community resource coordination. I’m passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where every student feels heard and supported.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our twin girls, two dogs, and a cat. Our home is full—and full of love! 

What is School Counseling?

School counseling is a service that is available to each and every student in our school. Counselors assist students with any personal or academic concerns they have which affect the student’s ability to focus on their schoolwork. We also serve as liaisons between students, teachers, parents, and community resources.

Guidance Counselor vs. School Counselor...what's the difference?

COUNSELING REFERRALS

Crisis Hotline Toll-free 24/7 1-888-0568-1112

DHHS – Child Protective Hotline Toll-free 24/7 1-800-452-1999

Mental Health Supports 

• Crisis Hotline Toll-free 24/7 1-888-0568-1112

• 988 (formerly called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers free, confidential, 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.

• Reach out directly to get help for domestic violence by using one of these resources, or call the statewide domestic violence helpline: 1-866-834-HELP.

• NAMI Maine - Mental Health Matters to ME - You are Not Alone

Through support, education, and advocacy NAMI Maine is dedicated to building better lives for the 1 in 4 Mainers who are affected by mental illness.

VCS School Counseling Beliefs

The counselors at Vassalboro Community School (VCS) believe:

• Every Student is unique, worthy of dignity and respect

• Every student shall have equal rights and opportunity to participate in the school counseling program

• Every student regardless of sex, class, socioeconomic status, cultural, racial, and special needs is accommodated in the school counseling program

• Every student is capable of success

The counselors at Vassalboro Community School VCS will:

• Provide a safe learning environment for every student

• Provide services and support based on the needs of students and the school community gathered from data

• Structure the Comprehensive School Counseling Program based on the ASCA National Model to ensure that it is effective, and that student needs are being met

• Advocate for students, teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, and the community so that every student will succeed

• Participate in training, enrichment, and professional development activities to enhance the effectiveness of the counseling program

Vision

The vision of the VCS School Counseling Program is to provide a developmentally appropriate, preventative, responsive and comprehensive program that cultivates academic, personal/social, and career connections for all students. Through advocacy, character development, leadership, and collaboration, self- awareness and academic achievement will evolve within a data-driven, multi-tiered rigorous educational environment and support system. Our vision is that this will ensure that all students understand and embrace their own value and have an intrinsic motivation to contribute to their community and a diverse world, as they become members of a global workforce. (MCSCP Model K-12, 2021)

Mission

The mission of the school counseling program is to provide a safe, positive, and challenging learning environment of respect and caring for all students. Students reach their individual potential and become lifelong learners who are self-reliant, creative, and responsible citizens. The VCS school counseling program partners with staff, families and community members and uses data to provide equitable access to resources and success for all students in the academic, personal, and social/emotional domains throughout their lives. (MCSCP Model K-12, 2021)