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counselor.cathy

Rated 4.66 out of 5, based on 12 reviews
31 Followers
Iowa, United States
About the store
I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in School Counseling, with over 25 years of experience supporting children and young people in both nonprofit and school settings. I spent 10 years working with teens and young adults in nonprofit programs focused on building confidence, independence, and life skills. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked as an elementary school counselor in a wide range of school communities, private and public, urban and rural. My experience includes supporting students from families with generational wealth, those navigating poverty and trauma, and children from richly diverse cultural backgrounds, including students who have recently arrived from countries. I’ve also worked in schools where I was part of a racial or cultural minority, which deepened my commitment to equity and inclusion. Currently, I serve students in a rural farming community with mostly white, working class families. I create SEL resources that reflect the real needs of students and educators, practical, compassionate, and rooted in experience. My goal is always to make emotional learning accessible, empowering, and meaningful for all kids.
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Preview of Executive Functioning Curriculum | Kindergarten & 1st SEL Lessons + Activities

Executive Functioning Curriculum | Kindergarten & 1st SEL Lessons + Activities

Created by
counselor.cathy
Help your Kindergarten and 1st grade students build strong habits for learning with this engaging Executive Functioning Curriculum!Designed with early learners in mind, this resource uses friendly animal characters, movement based activities, and simple routines to introduce essential skills like self-control, focus, memory, organization, following directions, and flexible thinking. These 6 complete 30 minute lessons are developmentally appropriate and make executive functioning fun, memorabl
Preview of K–4 Emotions Lesson Plans | Inspired by Zones of Regulation® Curriculum

K–4 Emotions Lesson Plans | Inspired by Zones of Regulation® Curriculum

Created by
counselor.cathy
Your must have unit for teaching emotional regulation — with the most important lessons every child needs to understand feelings, triggers, and how to return to calm. These developmentally appropriate lessons help kids identify feelings, understand how their brain responds to stress, recognize personal triggers, and learn practical tools to return to calm all through a color-coded framework inspired by the Zones of Regulation. Perfect for general education, counseling, or special education s
Preview of K-4th Career Curriculum Bundle | Career & College Exploration |  6 Lesson Units

K-4th Career Curriculum Bundle | Career & College Exploration | 6 Lesson Units

Created by
counselor.cathy
Save hours of prep time with this complete K‑4 career curriculum 24 lessons, 29 resources, and everything you need for instant classroom success. Imagine your students actively engaged in exploring future career paths, this curriculum makes it happen! Download the preview to see the Google Drive. This K–4th Career Curriculum includes 6 engaging lesson units per grade level (24 total) plus 29 supporting worksheets, activities, and PowerPoints to bring the world of work into your classroom. St
Preview of Self-Control SEL Small Group Bundle – 6-Week Curriculums for K–1, 2–3, & 4–5

Self-Control SEL Small Group Bundle – 6-Week Curriculums for K–1, 2–3, & 4–5

Created by
counselor.cathy
I love teaching my Tier 1 Executive Functioning curriculum, but noticed some students need extra support to practice self-control. This 6 week, ready-to-use small group curriculum is designed for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade and hands-on, focused practice they need to stop, think, and make smart choices, building skills that carry over to the classroom, home, and friendships. Perfect as a Tier 2 intervention, it complements Tier 1 classroom executive functioning lessons by provi
Preview of Executive Functioning Curriculum | 4th Grade SEL Lessons + Activities

Executive Functioning Curriculum | 4th Grade SEL Lessons + Activities

Created by
counselor.cathy
Support your 4th graders as they take on greater academic and personal responsibility with this complete Executive Functioning Curriculum!Designed specifically for upper elementary students, this 6 lesson SEL resource helps learners build the essential skills they need to stay organized, follow through on tasks, manage frustration, and adapt to new challenges with confidence. What’s Included: 6 complete 30 minute lessons tailored to 4th grade developmental needs Ready to use lesson plans with
Preview of Self-Control Skills Small Group Curriculum – 6 Weeks | Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Self-Control Skills Small Group Curriculum – 6 Weeks | Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Created by
counselor.cathy
I love teaching my Tier 1 Executive Functioning curriculum, but noticed some students need extra support to practice self-control. This 6-week small group is designed for K–1 students who need extra support building self-control skills. Perfect as a Tier 2 supplement after teaching a Tier 1 executive functioning curriculum, it targets students who may struggle during large group lessons and need more focused practice. Students will: Learn what self-control means and why it matters Practice bo
Preview of Perseverance Classroom Lessons TK–4 | Growth Mindset, Practice & Resilience

Perseverance Classroom Lessons TK–4 | Growth Mindset, Practice & Resilience

Created by
counselor.cathy
Help your students develop resilience, grit, and a growth mindset with this comprehensive Perseverance Unit for TK–4! Over 4 weeks, with 4 weekly lessons, your class will explore perseverance through engaging, hands-on lessons, stories, and activities designed to make learning fun while building character skills. This unit includes: Lesson Plans: Detailed, teacher-friendly scripts for TK–4, broken down by week and grade level.Read-Aloud Suggestions & Video Links: Age-appropriate books and stori
Preview of Executive Functioning Curriculum | Pre-School SEL Lessons + Activities

Executive Functioning Curriculum | Pre-School SEL Lessons + Activities

Created by
counselor.cathy
Give your youngest learners the tools they need to grow into focused, independent, and confident students! This Executive Functioning Curriculum for PK is thoughtfully designed to meet early childhood developmental needs, building the foundation for self regulation, listening, organization, and flexible thinking through fun, age appropriate activities. With a strong focus on movement, visuals, and engaging group interactions, these lessons are perfect for helping transitional kindergarteners s
Preview of Coping with Change | K–5 Counseling Curriculum for Family & School Changes

Coping with Change | K–5 Counseling Curriculum for Family & School Changes

Created by
counselor.cathy
Even routine loving students can feel off when life brings change, new teachers, classmates, schedules, or changes at home can all throw them for a loop. This 5-session small group counseling curriculum helps students build coping skills, confidence, and resilience during times of transition. It’s also ideal for students experiencing family transitions, such as divorce, a new sibling, moving homes, or changes in caregivers. This 5-session small group counseling curriculum helps students bui
Preview of Executive Functioning Curriculum Bundle: PK-4th Counseling Lessons

Executive Functioning Curriculum Bundle: PK-4th Counseling Lessons

Created by
counselor.cathy
Drowning in lesson planning? This executive functioning curriculum is your all‑in‑one solution for PreK–4th grade. Save hours of prep time with ready‑to‑teach lessons that help students build focus, organization, and self‑control, making your classroom calmer, more productive, and set up for success. This comprehensive bundle teaches 6 core executive functioning and self‑regulation skills through engaging, age‑appropriate lessons. The curriculum grows with your learners, from hands‑on strat
Preview of End of Year Summer Safety Google Slides Bundle | PK–4 School Counseling Lesson

End of Year Summer Safety Google Slides Bundle | PK–4 School Counseling Lesson

Created by
counselor.cathy
Send students into summer feeling confident, prepared, and safe with this engaging Summer Safety Google Slides Bundle! Designed specifically for different developmental levels, this resource includes 3 separate slide shows for: PK–2nd Grade3rd Grade4th GradeEach presentation contains 10 interactive, age-appropriate slides covering important summer safety topics students need before break. Topics Included: Home Alone Safety RulesWhen and How to Call 911Fire SafetyWater SafetyStorm & Weather S
Preview of Friendship Skills | Small Group or Individual Counseling Lessons | 6 Weeks | K–2

Friendship Skills | Small Group or Individual Counseling Lessons | 6 Weeks | K–2

Created by
counselor.cathy
Help students build meaningful connections and essential friendship skills with this 6 week small group or individual counseling curriculum designed for Kindergarten–2nd grade. This resource includes 20 minute weekly sessions that are simple to implement and engaging for students. Each week follows a predictable structure: ✔️ Check-In (Friendship Mission review) ✔️ Mini-Lesson (modeling, story, or visual) ✔️ Interactive Activity (role play, game, or creative task) ✔️ Friendship Missio
Preview of Executive Functioning Curriculum | 2nd Grade SEL Lessons + Activities

Executive Functioning Curriculum | 2nd Grade SEL Lessons + Activities

Created by
counselor.cathy
Empower your 2nd grade students with essential executive functioning skills through this engaging, animal themed curriculum!This 6 lesson resource uses relatable animal characters, clear instruction, and hands-on activities to help students strengthen key skills like self-control, focus, memory, organization, and flexible thinking. With fun stories and built-in practice, learners build strategies they can use every day in the classroom and beyond. What’s Included: 6 complete 30 minute lesso
Preview of Emotions Lesson Plans and Tools K–4 - Inspired by Zones of Regulation®

Emotions Lesson Plans and Tools K–4 - Inspired by Zones of Regulation®

Created by
counselor.cathy
Save big with this complete bundle of my best-selling “Zones”-inspired emotional regulation tools for the classroom! Perfect for calm corners, SEL lessons, counseling sessions, and student self-regulation practice. This ready-to-use collection supports K–5 students in identifying feelings, understanding triggers, and choosing healthy coping strategies. Includes:Feelings Check-In Sign (Google Docs™ – FREEBIE included for easy sharing)Mini Feeling Zones Desk Sign with Emoji Faces + Calm Down Stra
Preview of Boys’ Small Group for Challenging Behavior | Teamwork and Regulation | 6 Weeks

Boys’ Small Group for Challenging Behavior | Teamwork and Regulation | 6 Weeks

Created by
counselor.cathy
Ever had a group of boys who seemed to lead each other in the wrong direction? This 6 week small group curriculum is designed for boys who struggle with attention seeking, lack of cooperation, and difficulty working as a team. Through fun, hands-on activities and guided discussions, students learn how to work together, show empathy, take initiative, and celebrate each other’s successes. Each 20-minute lesson includes: Hands-on activities to practice teamwork, empathy, initiative, and responsibi
Preview of 6 Week Kindergarten & 1st | SEL Small Group: Confidence, Fears & Coping Skills

6 Week Kindergarten & 1st | SEL Small Group: Confidence, Fears & Coping Skills

Created by
counselor.cathy
Help your kindergarten students build self-confidence, resilience, and social-emotional skills with this 6-week small group curriculum. Each 20-minute lesson is designed to be teacher-friendly, developmentally appropriate, and engaging for young learners. This curriculum includes step-by-step instructions for: Week 1: I Am Special – Building Self-Awareness – Students identify their unique qualities and create an “All About Me” poster. Week 2: I Can Try – Encouraging Effort – Focus on trying n
Preview of Self-Confidence Small Group | SEL | 2nd-3rd Grade | 7 Lessons

Self-Confidence Small Group | SEL | 2nd-3rd Grade | 7 Lessons

Created by
counselor.cathy
This 7 lesson SEL group is designed to help 2nd - 3rd grade students build self-confidence, manage feelings, learn from mistakes, and develop positive social skills. Each lesson includes a warm, engaging introduction, interactive activities, reflection prompts, and strategies students can use every day. Lessons include: Introduction: Discovering Your Unique Thumbprint Building Self-Confidence: You Are a Star When I Make a Mistake: Learning and Growing Dealing with Our Feelings: Tools to Feel C
Preview of Kindergarten 6 Classroom Lessons | SEL Lessons: Diversity, Empathy & Fairness

Kindergarten 6 Classroom Lessons | SEL Lessons: Diversity, Empathy & Fairness

Created by
counselor.cathy
Build a kind, inclusive, and fair classroom with this 6-lesson Kindergarten SEL bundle! These lessons help students explore diversity, inclusion, empathy, kindness, fairness, and stereotypes through engaging read-alouds, discussions, and hands-on activities. Perfect for teaching students how to understand themselves and others while creating a caring classroom community. Lesson Timeline & Activities: Lesson 1: Understanding Diversity Students learn about being different and the same. Includes
Preview of End of Year Summer Safety Google Slides | PK–2nd Grade

End of Year Summer Safety Google Slides | PK–2nd Grade

Created by
counselor.cathy
Need a quick, meaningful end-of-year lesson? This 12-slide Summer Safety Google Slides presentation helps students review essential safety skills before summer break. Students learn age-appropriate tips for: Home Alone RulesCalling 911Fire SafetyWater SafetyStorm SafetyPedestrian SafetyInternet SafetyStranger SafetyPerfect for counselors, teachers, health class, or final week activities. Ready to useNo prepEngaging visualsGrade-specific languageGive students confidence for a safe and fun summer
Preview of K–5 Self-Regulation Strategy Cards & Choice Board Bundle | Calm Corner Tools

K–5 Self-Regulation Strategy Cards & Choice Board Bundle | Calm Corner Tools

Created by
counselor.cathy
Help your students manage big emotions and build emotional independence with this K–5 Self-Regulation Bundle, combining 20 printable strategy cards with a visual choice board. Perfect for calm down corners, SEL instruction, individual counseling, or classroom behavior supports, these tools make emotional regulation practical, visible, and student-friendly. Included in the Bundle: Visual Strategy Choice Board (8.5 x 11")9 kid-friendly coping strategies with clear iconsSimple, clean layout fo
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About the store

Experience

I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in School Counseling, with over 25 years of experience supporting children and young people in both nonprofit and school settings. I spent 10 years working with teens and young adults in nonprofit programs focused on building confidence, independence, and life skills. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked as an elementary school counselor in a wide range of school communities, private and public, urban and rural. My experience includes supporting students from families with generational wealth, those navigating poverty and trauma, and children from richly diverse cultural backgrounds, including students who have recently arrived from countries. I’ve also worked in schools where I was part of a racial or cultural minority, which deepened my commitment to equity and inclusion. Currently, I serve students in a rural farming community with mostly white, working class families. I create SEL resources that reflect the real needs of students and educators, practical, compassionate, and rooted in experience. My goal is always to make emotional learning accessible, empowering, and meaningful for all kids.

Teaching style

My approach is grounded in connection, curiosity, and empowerment. I believe social emotional learning should be engaging, interactive, and student-centered. Whether it’s through drumming, movement, STEM, loop groups, reflection, or discussion, I aim to create experiences where students feel safe to take risks, explore emotions, and build resilience. I design lessons that are flexible and responsive, built to evolve alongside the needs of students and educators. My curriculum emphasizes goal setting, growth mindset, and perseverance, helping students develop not just emotional awareness, but confidence and motivation that carries across the school day. I strive to make learning meaningful, inclusive, and fun, because when kids are engaged, real growth happens.

Awards & shining teacher moments

I’ve been honored with district level recognition for my work in school counseling and received multiple grants to fund initiatives supporting student mental health, staff wellness, and family engagement. One highlight has been recognized as an Iowa Mental Health Hero from the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, an acknowledgment that reflects my ongoing commitment to whole child support and community care. While awards and grants are meaningful, the most fulfilling moments are the everyday wins: seeing students grow in confidence and self regulation, helping teachers feel supported with practical SEL tools, partnering with families to navigate challenges, and building awareness around mental health in the broader community. I’m passionate about fostering school cultures where people look out for each other, feel seen, and are empowered to thrive, together.

My own education history

B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Sociology – University of Northern Iowa, 2002 M.A. in School Counseling – University of Northern Iowa, 2012 Ongoing professional development in trauma informed practices through STAR Commonwealth Several certifications through ASCA U Additional training in PBIS, CharacterStrong, and Leader in Me I’m committed to continually learning and evolving to meet the changing needs of students, staff, and school communities.

Additional biographical information

I grew up in a large, hardworking family on a farm where resilience and perseverance were daily lessons. Early life challenges shaped my commitment to empowering others, because if I don’t stand up for growth and opportunity, then who will? I’m deeply motivated by the belief that every student deserves equal investment and support, no matter their background or struggles. Having experienced both personal and family hardships, including health battles and loss, I approach my work with gratitude, authenticity, and a no nonsense attitude. I value kindness, generosity, and genuine connection, and I strive to bring those qualities into every interaction with students, families, and colleagues. I’ve witnessed incredible growth in the young people and communities I serve and though every journey is different, my commitment to fostering hope, strength, and possibility remains constant.