School Counseling
Welcome to the School Counseling Page!
Mission
The mission of the Pearl R. Miller Counseling Department is to provide students with a nurturing and inviting environment where every student has equitable access to a safe-space and comprehensive counseling program in accordance with the ASCA (American School Counseling Association) Standards for School Counselors. This shall enable all students to achieve excellence academically, as well as socially and emotionally both in the present and in the future. The department aims to deliver individual and small group counseling, classroom lessons, and engaging whole school activities based on the principles of our Full Value Character Education Program and Pillars of Character to develop students into active contributors to modern society. School Counselors use school data in order to identify strengths and gaps to ensure all students are provided with the help and support they need. Pearl R. Miller School Counselors collaborate, communicate, and advocate for all students and stakeholders, and in turn provide unconditional positive support to the entire school community.
Vision
The vision of the Pearl R. Miller School comprehensive school counseling program is for all students to have equitable access to distinct academic, social and emotional opportunities and support that will allow them to achieve success and make a positive impact in society. Students will develop an open mind, respectful & empathetic manner, and resiliency which prepares them to work effectively with diverse groups in their careers and life beyond school. All PRM students demonstrate exemplary character, strive for excellence and will flourish as responsible citizens in the global community.
School Counselors
Mrs. Valerie Comprelli
Mrs.Comprelli graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education. She then attended Ramapo College and received her Master of Science in Educational Technology. She has worked at PRM since the start of her career in 1997! After teaching science at PRM for 24 years, she pursued a Masters degree in Professional Counseling with a School Counseling Concentration. She was fortunate enough to move into a School Counseling position at PRM. She is also a Licensed Associate Counselor and is currently working toward Licensed Professional Counselor. The students and staff at Pearl R.Miller School and the Kinnelon community hold a special place in Mrs.Comprelli's heart.
Favorite Quote: "History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children."-Nelson Mandela
Mrs. Jolene StrunzÂ
Mrs. Strunz graduated from William Paterson University in 2006 with her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Originally, Mrs. Strunz was pursuing a degree in Business Marketing, but learned quickly this was not where her passion was. After calling her High School Counselor in November of 2003, Mrs. Strunz realized her passion was helping others and made the switch to education. She then went on to graduate again from William Paterson in May of 2010 with her Masters in School Counseling. During her undergraduate years, she also attended California State University of San Bernardino in a student transfer program.
Mrs. Strunz started her counseling career in the Holmdel School District as a maternity leave replacement, and later worked in the Vernon School District as a maternity leave School Counselor as well. Mrs. Strunz started working as a para-professional in Kinnelon in 2011 and became a School Counselor at PRM in the spring of 2017.
Favorite Quote: "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Lao Tzu
Mrs. Tara McClain
Mrs. Tara McClain graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She spent the earlier part of her career teaching 3rd grade at Stonybrook School in Kinnelon before using her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Montclair State University to serve as the first School Counselor at Stonybrook School in 2006. She has been enjoying her current role as one of the counselors at Pearl R. Miller School since 2009. Mrs. McClain is the Coach for Spring Track & Field at PRM which fits nicely with her love of running outdoors, fitness, and encouraging the wellness of adolescents. Mrs. McClain is a mother to three daughters and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of NJ.
Favorite Quote: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." ~Frederick Douglass