New counselors

JOINING THE SESSION: NEW COUNSELORS AT MCLEAN

MICHELLE CHENG A&E EDITOR

Even though this is Jenny Fernandez’s first year as a counselor at McLean, she already has a sense of familiarity in her new role.

“I had my internship here last year, so I kind of had a pre-glimpse. Then, Ms. You announced that she was leaving, and things just fell into place,” Fernandez said.

Student Services was fortunate to have Fernandez as an intern before school turned completely virtual, allowing her to bond with students before taking on a full-time position.

“It was great because she interned with Ms. You and got to know quite a few of her students before she was even hired,” Director of Student Services Paul Stansbery said.

During her internship, Fernandez demonstrated outstanding skills that would later land her a job at McLean.

“She took a lot of initiative, shared good ideas with our team and went well above what was expected,” Stansbery said.

Fernandez has prior experience working in schools, but not as a counselor.

“I actually became a teacher first, and I loved everything to do with learning with students and spending time with students,” Fernandez said. “I [originally taught] elementary school, and I really loved it.”

While fulfilling an early career as a teacher, Fernandez realized that she was more intrigued by the world of counseling. DOG LOVER — Jenny Fernandez takes a selfie with her family dog, Milo. She couldn’t bring Milo to her apartment in Virginia, so he stays with her family in New Jersey. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Fernandez)

“I actually taught English abroad in Taiwan, and I felt like mental health was not a big topic of conversation with students. I found myself talking to parents a lot and including them in what was happening in school, and that’s what a counselor does,” Fernandez said. “So I decided to get my masters in counseling at [George Washington University], and I just felt like that was the best fit for me.”

Her experience teaching and her passion for helping students with their mental health has been crucial in adapting to her new role as a counselor.

“I think [teaching and counseling] are intertwined in that you need patience, empathy, understanding and an open mind,” Fernandez said.

Like many students and teachers, Fernandez misses the human interaction that was common during an in-person school day.

“It’s like a ghost town. It’s eerie,” Fernandez said. “I see some teachers here and there, but it’s so quiet. I’m excited to be in a lively environment again and able to connect with students in real life. ”

Even though she can’t meet with students in person, she wants to give all students a key piece of advice.

“Be a strong self advocate. That is such a strong tool in life when it comes to setting your own boundaries with family and friends, in your work life and in your future school life,” Fernandez said. “Have that confidence to be your own self advocate because no one can know you as much as you do.”

Q&A with Jenny Fernandez

What do you like to do in your free time?

I’ve been going to the gym and hiking, and I just moved to Tysons.

What is your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is Hawaii or any island or beach.

What is one thing you learned over quarantine?

I learned how to make whipped coffee. I saw a video of it and immediately went downstairs and got all the ingredients. I’ve been trying to cook different meals more.

Introducing Jenny Fernandez and Amber Simpkins as they navigate their first year at McLean

SIGHTSEEING SIMPKINS — Amber Simpkins poses while visiting Tulum, Mexico, in 2015. She loves to travel and normally takes a trip every year. (Photo courtesy of Amber Simpkins)

HERAN ESSAYAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Amber Simpkins is no stranger to the world of working with students. Though she began her first year of high school counseling this fall, her previous experience with children provided her with the necessary foundation to become a counselor at McLean.

Simpkins obtained an undergraduate degree in psychology and worked with elementary school students at an after-school program for 15 years. Originally wanting to become a social worker, Simpkins decided to switch careers to counseling.

“I was constantly interacting with kids and giving resources to parents and communicating with teachers,” Simpkins said. “So I was like, why not just become a school counselor? I mean, that’s what they do anyway.”

After completing her graduate degree in counseling at George Mason University this past spring, Simpkins set out to find a job. McLean appealed to her because the students are driven in terms of both academics and extracurriculars, a balance Simpkins believes is crucial for high school students.

At first, her transition into being a counselor was difficult because of her increased workload. Simpkins persevered because she loves working with the McLean staff and students.

“When I came, I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s a lot of work.’ It’s a lot of emails that I’m answering every single day. But as time went on, and I was able to manage my time and do what I needed to do, things kind of slowed down for me,” Simpkins said. “I mean, I love my job; I love what I’m doing right now. I love being at McLean.”

Stansbery has been working with Simpkins to answer any questions she has, and he acknowledges the hard work she has put in to adjust to McLean in an online setting.

“Simpkins was hands down the best candidate that we interviewed in our second interview process of last spring,” Stansbery said. “In addition to her caring and positive energy, she had a very calming demeanor and a good sense of humor.”

While Simpkins continues to become acquainted with the McLean atmosphere and interacts with more of her students, she wants to emphasize her availability through office hours and emails to answer any questions students may have.

“Whether it be academic, social or emotional, I’m here to assist,” Simpkins said.

Simpkins wants her students to feel comfortable reaching out to her so they can build a strong relationship. She hopes to support her students as they make decisions about their future.

“Be true to yourself and think about the things you want to do and where you want to be, and then implement those things now,” Simpkins said. “Surround yourself with good people who are like-minded, who want to do the same things as you or have the same drive as you.”

Q&A with Amber Simpkins

What do you like to do in your free time?

I exercise almost every day, and I like to watch a lot of reality TV. It may not be the best, but I like to watch a lot of Housewives and shows like that.

What is your dream vacation?

The best place that I went to was Jamaica.

What is one thing you learned over quarantine? I’ve really forced myself to cook every day because I like eating out. I have a few meals that I can cook, so I would eat baked salmon or chicken with rice and broccoli.