School
Counselors

We recognise that growing up, school, and indeed life often are not easy.

Each division of the school has a dedicated and experienced counselor to support students through any struggles they may have.  The AAS counsellors also help students to develop academic, career, and social/emotional skills to become active and successful global citizens.

  • School Counseling Mission Statement

    “The School Counseling program at the Anglo-American School of Sofia engages, supports and prepares students for today and tomorrow by helping develop academic, career, and social/emotional skills to become active and successful global citizens.” The AAS Counseling Program is an integral part of all student experiences, providing proactive and responsive services to meet personal, social and emotional needs of the AAS Community.  Through collaboration with all relevant education professionals and coordination of programs we ensure that comprehensive services are available to all students.  We value a student-centered supportive approach that prepares and empowers students to reach their full potential in an ever-changing society. Throughout the school day, emphasis is placed on reminding students of our core values of commitment, excellence and respect.

    For more information on above, or any other services, please refer to the Student Support Services Manual or contact the Director of Student Support Services (Joseph Gorski) at jgorski@aas-sofia.org

  • Counselling Team

    The counsellors are involved in planning and teaching the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum, which supports the healthy development of all students.

    Even with an effective PSHE curriculum, it is normal that students will need additional support from the AAS counselors at times. For each age group, the interventions or approaches the counsellors use may be different: they may include small group sessions, one-to-one counselling, parent meetings,and liaising with the Learning Support Team.

    The AAS counsellors are keenly aware of the fact that transitions are an integral part of international school life (families arriving and leaving Sofia), and they actively support students and families as they face the unsettling feelings that transitions can bring.

    Our counsellors work to establish trust and rapport with each student; they respect students’ privacy so that students feel safe to explore issues, feelings, and behaviours. The counsellors follow the ethical guidelines of the American School Counsellor Association.

Elementary
School

Ms. Denise Granai — Elementary School Counsellor

Middle
School

Ms. Kelli Anderson — Middle School Counsellor

High
School

Ms. Brook Pauley — High School Social Emotional Counsellor

High
School

Mr. David Stephenson — High School and College Counsellor