CAMPUS LIFE
GIFTED GUIDES A S A CHR IST I A N SCHO OL , we have
always been very concerned about the well-being of our students and BY K Y LE MOR R ILL , HEA D OF U PPER SCHOOL
their families, as well as our faculty and staff. However,
we have made a concerted effort over the last several years to be very intentional regarding the well-being of our Upper School community. There have been rapid changes and challenges that have arisen in our nation’s culture over the past few years. Many of these changes have created great confusion and insecurity in the hearts and souls of adults and teenagers. In this post-modern world that we live in, truth has become increasingly subjective.
come from her association with the His Story
been such a blessing to all of us in the Upper
Social media and other forms of media have
Coaching and Counseling group as a licensed
School, and we hope that our TCA students
created confusion for many regarding truth
professional counselor, where she has served
and parents will consider her as a first-line
and identity. Many lines have been blurred
as a youth specialist since 2014. Her focus
resource as needs arise.
concerning right and wrong. The Christian/
there has been in the areas of depression and
Much of what Rachel does with teenagers
biblical worldview has become increasingly
anxiety in young people. Rachel is married to
would be described as triage counseling.
criticized and politicized. At TCA, we have
Frank, and they have three little boys—one in
When students are experiencing social or
always been committed to teaching our students
kindergarten, one in preK and a two-year-old.
emotional challenges, she spends one or
Rachel has already established herself as
more conversations with them trying to
equipping them to be able to deeply understand
a very proactive, involved and fun presence
discern the level of concern and possible
their faith and articulate and defend the blessed
in the Upper School. She has teamed with
immediate action steps. She listens and
hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
Dr. Matt Lambro, our director of student
provides valuable perspective. If situations
development, to ensure that we have
appear to be more serious in nature and
more vigilant and focused on the social and
programs and opportunities for our students
more long term in concern, she works
emotional needs of our students as they
to grow in areas that impact their overall
with parents to find outside resources and
solidify their ultimate identity in Christ. To
well-being and social/emotional needs.
counselors who can take a deeper dive into
that end, we are very excited about our new
She has joined with other Upper School
the challenges of the individual student.
counselor, Rachel Armstrong. She has been
administrators as we strategize ways to help
appointed to oversee the social and emotional
individuals and groups navigate through
being as well as the mission of our school
well-being of our student population.
challenging experiences. Rachel combines
is evident in the expertise and care she has
a great sense of humor with keen insights
already brought to her role in the Upper
University and has her master’s in biblical
regarding the lives of teenagers. She is
School. Please join us in welcoming her to
counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary.
very approachable and makes others feel
our TCA community. You are welcome to
Her primary professional experience has
comfortable in her presence. She has already
contact her should any need arise.
the foundational truths of God’s Word and to
In the Upper School, we hope to be even
Rachel Armstrong is a graduate of Baylor
24 TRINITY TODAY
Rachel’s commitment to students’ well-
PHOTOS: JEFF McWHORTER ’ 05
