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Saint Timothy’s Counseling Program assists students with their academic, social/emotional and vocational needs using a child-centered approach that focuses on student’s strengths and abilities. The program’s services are designed to remove the barriers to academic achievement and promote student success. Services are available for all St. Timothy’s students, not just those with identified academic or emotional needs.

The goals of our counseling program include:

~Address the students’ social and emotional needs and foster student success with individual and group counseling sessions, behavioral interventions, and mediations.

~Teach students skills and techniques that will: enable them to become independent learners, enhance their social relationships, improve their interactions with others, explore their vocational interests, and deepen their spiritual life.

Beth Mertens-Batarla began her career as a 5th Grade Teacher at St. Timothy's. She earned her undergraduate degree and professional teacher's license at The College of William and Mary and completed her masters in school counseling at Virginia Tech. She is also a National Board Certified Counselor and a member of multiple professional organizations. As the counselor at St. Timothy School, she will work with parents, teachers, and students to maximize student success in school. Our school counseling program, which includes classroom lessons as well as group and individual counseling, enhances students' academic, career, and personal/social development.

For more information about school counselors, our code of ethics, and helpful resources for parents, please visit the American School Counseling Association's website

Please contact me with any questions or to schedule a student session or parent meeting.

Individual Counseling
~Meetings will focus on student strengths and identifying and practicing coping skills

~Students can self-refer or be referred by parents and teachers

Group Counseling
~Small Group Counseling: Structured groups that require parental permission and focus on learning a specific skill like study skills, stress management or social skills.

In addition, I can meet with parents, consult with other professionals (with parental permission), and provide parents with referrals and resource information to ensure the success of each child. We will work as a team to develop and implement strategies to address the individual needs of your child.

Our counselor, Beth Mertens-Batarla, is on maternity leave for the 2007-2008 school year and will serve as a consultant to the school during that time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office. She will continue to update the website throught the year. Please check back for helpful inks and information! Thank you!