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School Services

School Services: a unified approach to student well-being

Catholic Charities’ school-based programs take a proactive approach to supporting students’ social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Through two integrated services—CARES (The Catholic Approach to Resilience, Engagement and Support) and School-Based Counseling— schools receive layered supports that help students grow academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
Together, these programs help students:
• Build emotional regulation and resilience
• Strengthen self-esteem
• Improve problem-solving and communication
• Develop healthy peer relationships
• Contribute to a positive school community

CARES Classroom Prevention Lessons. These lessons are part of our schoolwide effort to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all students. Each lesson is designed to help students build important lifelong skills that contribute to confidence, resilience, and positive relationships. These topics align with our diocesan social-emotional learning framework and support our whole-child approach. Additional supports may be provided per the requests and needs of the school. 

Counseling referrals are made through three different ways: by a teacher or school staff member; a child's parent; or an individual child. Most of our referrals are based on behavioral, educational, or developmental problems in class or at home. The school counselor will only provide on-going services if and when the parent/guardian completes a consent URL and permission form. Please  complete the appropriate paperwork for your child.

School Services Form Packet

Paquete de Formularios de Servicios Escolares (En Español)


Reach and Teach Program

If you would like to refer your child to their school counselor please send your request directly to the appropriate counselor. 

View our Effective Discipline resource

Participating Schools 

Counselor: Jason Voight
Immaculate Heart of Mary 
Holy Cross Elementary
 St. Anthony
Jvoight@covingtoncharities.org

Holly Barrett-Sears
Counselor at:
St. Joseph (Crescent Springs) 
Sts. Peter and Paul 
CARES Facilitator at:
Holy Trinity Elementary/Middle
HBarrett-sears@covingtoncharities.org

Holy Trinity Elementary/Middle
St. Augustine
Counselor: Michelle Barbian
MBarbian@covingtoncharities.org

St. Agnes
Holy Cross Elementary
Mary Queen of Heaven
Counselor: Sheila Dumford 
sdumford@covingtoncharities.org

Prince of Peace 
St. Phillip 
St. Agnes
Counselor: Donna Moreland
dmoreland@covingtoncharities.org

Jessica Gangwish
CARES Coordinator & Facilitator
St. Agnes
Mary Queen of Heaven
jgangwish@covingtoncharities.org

Kendall Kramer
CARES Facilitator
Holy Cross 
St. Augustine
Sts. Peter and Paul 
St. Anthony
kkramer@covingtoncharities.org

If you would like to learn more about school services or have any questions, please send your request to Sheila Dumford at sdumford@covingtoncharities.org

The Diocese of Covington Catholic Charities USA