Spring Ridge Middle School
Counselor
Maria Bronzell 6th Grade Guidance Counselor
As a school counselor, I have experience supporting students across grades K–12 in both primary and secondary settings. I am currently in my 8th year as a school counselor and am committed to helping students grow both personally and academically. I support students with problem-solving, social-emotional development, positive decision-making, and building healthy relationships. I also help students explore career interests and future goals while developing the skills they need to become responsible, confident, and successful individuals. When additional support is needed, I work with students and families to connect them with mental health and community resources. I believe every student has unique strengths and potential, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Barbara Bayne 7th Grade Guidance Counselor
I’m a dedicated guidance counselor at Spring Ridge Middle School, where I have had the privilege of serving students and families for the past 16 years. I’m passionate about helping middle school students navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges of adolescence while encouraging them to recognize their strengths and reach their full potential. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues and being a trusted source of support throughout the middle school years. I feel fortunate to be part of the Spring Ridge community and to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of our students each day.
Territa Washington 8th Grade Guidance Counselor
I've had the privilege of serving as a school counselor with SMCPS for the past 11 years. Before stepping into this role, I spent years working with non-profit organizations as a counselor, caseworker, and community coordinator supporting low-income families and at-risk youth. Those experiences shaped the way I approach my work today—with compassion, patience, and a deep belief in every child's ability to grow and thrive. In my counseling practice, I focus on mindfulness and solution-focused strategies, helping students build the tools they need to understand their emotions, navigate challenges, and develop confidence in their own problem-solving abilities. As Fred Rogers once stated, "I'm convinced that when we help our children find healthy ways of dealing with their feelings, ways that don't hurt them or anyone else, we're helping to make our world a safer, better place." This belief guides everything I do.
Middle School Counseling Services
The Counseling Program at Spring Ridge Middle School stresses student development in three major areas: academic achievement, career and educational decision-making, and personal and social growth.
Academic Achievement
- Schedule students for academic classes
- Help students adjust to the school and plan their programs.
- Help students with time-management.
- Consult with teachers on ways to improve student academic achievement.
Career and Educational Decision-Making
- Assess student aptitudes & interests and explore career options.
- Help students discover their strengths and weaknesses in relation to school performances.
Personal and Social Development
- Reinforce problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Help students use their problem-solving and conflict resolution techniques.
- Help students advocate for themselves with staff.
Counselors deliver the program in a variety of ways. Responsive counseling services are provided in individual and group settings when students need help in any of the three areas of emphasis. The student, parent, or member of the staff may initiate these services.
Counselors also provide large-scale instruction for all students. For example counselors at the Spring Ridge Middle School conduct classroom lessons on suicide prevention and career development. Middle school counselors also support the overall school program by coordinating such activities as orientation of new students and parents, participation on interdisciplinary teams to determine special services for students, and providing for the academic placement of students in classes.
Resources
MFLC Permission Form
MFLC Back to School Transition
Afterschool Mentor Applications
Family Resources
Suicide Prevention: Have an Honest Conversation
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Child and Youth Behavioral Program (Military Family Life)