School Counselors

School Counseling at Lincoln Elementary

Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills that students acquire in the areas of academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary years serve as the foundation for future success.

 When to Contact the School Counselor? 

Parents may want to contact the School Counselor if:
 
~ Your child doesn't want to go to school in the morning.
~ Your child keeps telling you he/she doesn't have any friends. 
~ Your family situation is changing or is experiencing a challenge
(divorce, separation, domestic violence, etc.)
~ Your child seems frustrated in school and nothing seems to be helping. 
~ There has been a recent death or illness in the family and you would like
information on how to talk to your child about it.
 
 Students may want to contact the School Counselor if:
 
~ He/she is having trouble with a friend.
~ He/she is being picked on and isn't sure how to handle it. 
~ He/she wants someone to talk to who will listen objectively.
~ He/she is having trouble with schoolwork and doesn't know how to get help.

About Lincoln School's Counselor

bertola

Mrs. Alexandra Bertola, MA, LPC, NCC

Lincoln Elementary School Counselor

Phone: 973-228-3987 ext. 6023

Email: abertola@cwcboe.org

Degrees and Certifications:

MA, LPC, NCC, School Counselor

Hi, my name is Ali Bertola (formerly Ross) and I am happy to be returning as Lincoln Elementary's school counselor for the 2022-23 school year, my sixth year here!

I grew up in West Caldwell and attended school here through high school. Once a chief, always a chief! I never thought or expected that I would get the chance to work in the community where I was raised. Following my years as a student at Caldwell, I went on to receive my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware. Go Blue Hens! There I majored in Psychology and minored in Women's Studies, as well as in Human Development and Family Studies. I also studied abroad in Paris, France and have continued to enjoy traveling! So far, my favorite destination has been the beautiful Greek Islands. Following graduation from UDEL, I studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ and received my Master of Arts degree. 

My previous experience has involved group, individual, and family therapy in both academic and clinical settings. 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey. I also have my School Counselor and National Certified Counselor (NCC) certifications. 

My goal is to support you and your child in having a positive social-emotional and academic school year. I work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and students to address any issues that might surface throughout the year and in building a caring school community.

If you have any questions about my role as school counselor or would like more information about how I can help your child or your family, please feel free to reach out to me VIA email at abertola@cwcboe.org or by phone at 973-228-3987 et 6023. Wishing everyone a wonderful year!

Meet Mrs. Bertola

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