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Counselor

School Counseling Program

My name is Monica Dimas, and I am the school counselor at DGES! I look forward to working alongside students, families and staff to support the social, emotional and academic growth of our community.

How I Can Support Students and Families:

  • Individual counseling (personal concerns such as grief, family changes, friendships, peer relationships, etc.)

  • Small group counseling (social skills, friendship, attendance, and more as needed)

  • Classroom lessons tailored to student and classroom needs, along with required district lessons

  • Referrals for community resources (clothing, food, housing, outside counseling)

  • Health & Wellness Meetings

  • Advocacy for students

  • Restorative practices

This year, I will be supporting kindergarten through 5th grade. As a professional school counselor, I follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and align my work with ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors standards. These standards ensure that all students receive equitable, data-driven support that helps them succeed both in and out of school. By working together, I believe we can help every student succeed both academically and socially.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at dimas_m@aps.edu, phone (505) 764-2020 ext. 21104 or stop by my office—I’d love to connect!

If your or your child has an immediate need for help, please call the New Mexico Crisis Assistance Line (NMCAL) at (855) 662-7474. There are therapists available 24/7 who can help with the situation. And of course, you can always call 9-1-1 for an immediate response and assistance.

Last, if you do not want to take advantage of either of these options, below are names, phone numbers and/or email addresses of other facilities in Albuquerque that you can contact. All of these entities have Tele-Health capabilities to meet the needs of your child(ren).

Albuquerque Facilities with Tele-Health

Mission

The Dolores Gonzales Elementary School counseling program supports all students to achieve academic, career, personal and social development through a comprehensive, holistic model. Believing that all children have an infinite potential to learn and grow. The school counseling program aims to help children build skills which promote compassion for self and others, grit to do hard things, tools to do hard things, tools to make meaningful connections and passion to engage in lifelong learning. In partnership with parents, teachers, administrators and the community, the school counseling program will foster an environment where all student feel they belong, cultivate resiliency, know their unique voices matter and are prepared to creatively contribute to our world.

Counseling Services

Classroom Guidance Curriculum

Lessons are preventative, taught to all grades levels, developmentally appropriate and address academic, personal, social & career growth.

Small Group Counseling

Using a psycho-educational model, small groups help students reflect on their experiences, recognize they are not alone, and enhance relationship, intrapersonal, learning & behavioral skills. Parents are notified when their child is selected to participate.

Individual Counseling

When appropriate, the school counselor meets with individual students on a short-term basis. These sessions can be for planning academically or of a personal/social nature.

Additional Services

  • School-Based Consultation & System Support
  • Community Resource Referrals

 

Confidentiality & Informed Consent

All APS School Counselors are required to follow the Ethical Standards for School Counselors. The school counselor respects confidential information received from students, the family, guardians, and staff members, with some exceptions.

Those exceptions are when:

1) There is any suspicion of child abuse or neglect;
2) Where a student poses a serious threat to themselves or others; and/or
3) Where legal requirements demand a release of information.