Mission Statement:
The mission of the Olympia High School Counselor Program is to provide counseling services which will foster personal and social growth, assist in educational and career planning, and promote healthy decision making in order for students to reach their full potential in the future.
BIOGRAPHIES AND CONTACTS
Danise Ackelson A-C, 596-7029
Counseling Department Chair
At OHS since: 1992
Began profession as teacher: 1976
Degrees: BS in Education 1974 - Mississippi University for Women
MA Education 1979 Pacific Lutheran University
M.Ed.Guidance & Counseling 1987 University of Puget Sound
Employment History:
1976 - 1992 Jefferson Middle School - Physical Education Instructor and Counselor
1976-2003 Coached Gymnastics and Dance and Drill
1992 – Present Olympia High School Counselor
Amanda Hall D-Hi, 596-7030
At OHS since 2008
Began as a counselor: 2006
Degrees: BA 2001- Sociology from Washington State University; MA 2006 M.Ed.- Guidance & Counseling- St. Martin's University
Employment History:
2001-2004 Drug & Alcohol Inpatient Counseling
2006- North Thurston High School Counselor
2007-2008 Reeves Middle School Counselor
Kim Reykdal Hj-Ma, 596-7033
At OHS since 2006
Began as a counselor: 1999
Degrees: BA Social Studies and BA in History, 1994 Washington State University Teacher Certification, 1994 Washington State University M. Ed in School Counseling, 1999 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Employment History: 1994-1997 History and Psychology Teacher at Battle Ground High School 1999-2001 Counselor at Yelm High School 2001-2004 Counselor at Capital High School 2004-2006 .6 FTE Counselor at Tumwater High School 2006 – Present Counselor at Olympia High School
Dave Forrester Mb-R, 596-7032
At OHS since 2005
Began as a counselor: 2005
Degrees: BS 1990/Science Degree, University of Puget Sound:
Teacher Certification, 1994, Saint Martin’s College: M. Ed 2000,
Seattle University, School Counseling
Employment History:
1994-2000 New Market Vocational Skills Center, Tumwater WA
Team Leader, Teacher – Learning Opportunity Center
2000-2002 New Market Vocational Skills Center, Tumwater WA
Reading Specialist, Teacher
2002-2006 New Market Vocational Skills Center, Tumwater WA
Dean of Students
2006 – Present Olympia High School Counselor
Brian Wentz S-Z, 596-7031
At OHS since 2001
Began as a counselor: 1983
Degrees: BA 1981 Western Washington University,
M.Ed 1983 Western Washington University
Employment History:
1983 West Valley High School, Yakima. Counselor
1986 Educational Specialist - Deaconess Hospital Inpatient Treatment Center, Group Therapist
1987-1998 North Thurston School District - counselor
1998-2000 Athens Greece, American International School counselor (Full International Baccalaureate Academy)
2000-2001 Yelm Community Schools - Yelm High School counselor
2001- Present Olympia High School Counselor
Vicki Ames, Registrar 596-7035
At OHS Since: 1985
Began Profession: 1973
Degrees Held: Secretarial Science Degree, Centralia College, 1972
Employment History:
Para Pro for Traffic safety 11 years
Attendance Office 3 year and Registrar from April 1999
Currently: Registrar for OHS
Cathy Williams, Career Specialist 596-7034
At OHS Since: 1997 Began Profession: 1997 Degrees Held: B.S. in Education 1971(Summa Cum Laude), University of Southern California
Employment History:
Currently: Career and College Advising in the Career Center at OHS