Skip To Main Content

School Counselor's Corner

Hamilton Elementary Counseling


Counselor: Amberlin Jaffray
Email: ajaffray@portangelesschools.org
Main Phone: 360-565-1708
Fax Line: 360-452-6359
Office Hours: M-F 7:30 am - 2:45 pm

My Philosophy

I believe is that all children have the right to a safe, educationally rich environment within a school setting that empowers them with the skills they need to reach their full potential.

Vision

My vision for the Hamilton Elementary School Counseling program is to remove barriers to student success by using a comprehensive approach which equips students with the academic and social/emotional skills they need to reach their future educational and career goals. 

What does a school counselor do?

My primary role is to help students navigate challenges and develop important life skills. This includes:

  • Individual Counseling (This is not the same as mental health counseling): Providing one-on-one support for students dealing with personal issues like friendship problems, processing emotions, or grief.
  • Small Groups: Facilitating small groups for students with similar needs, such as developing social skills, or managing anger.
  • Classroom Lessons: Teaching lessons to entire classes using Kelso’s Choices, Second Step or Character Strong curriculum that develop social-emotional skills.
  • Crisis Intervention: Being available to support students and families during times of crisis or tragedy.
  • Collaboration: Working with teachers, administrators, and parents to create a supportive learning environment for all students.

My door is always open to students. I believe in a proactive approach to student well-being, and I am committed to creating a safe and positive school culture for everyone.

Classroom Guidance            

Second Step curriculum features engaging activities that develop social-emotional skills, including age-appropriate bullying prevention lessons. 

Visit their website at http://www.secondstep.org

Chart
Character Strong

 

Resources:

Apple Health (Medicaid) health care insurance. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll need this information: Your household monthly income. The Social Security numbers and dates of birth for each member of your household. Your immigration information, if that applies to you. 
1-855-923-4633  www.wahealthplanfinder.org/

Peninsula Behavioral Health Professional counseling and therapy for children and adolescents. Assessment, education and referral resources for families regarding child/adolescent issues.
118 East 8th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362  
(360) 457-0431 www.peninsulabehavioral.org

Serenity House of Clallam County provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services to homeless individuals and families in Clallam County, Washington.
(360) 452-7224 www.serenityhouseclallam.org

The Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics (VIMO) Clinic provides primary medical, mental health care, and referrals for specialty care to adults who live and work on the Olympic Peninsula and do not have access to health care. 
(360) 457-4431 https://www.opcclinic.org/vimo_clinics.php

Healthy Families of Clallam County provides domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse prevention and treatment services free of charge to adult survivors, child victims, families of victims, and the community.
(360) 452-3811 www.healthyfam.org

Peninsula Housing Authority is a special purpose government agency providing long term rental housing, tenant based rental subsidies and a home ownership housing program in Clallam and Jefferson Counties. We provide affordable housing opportunities for low-income.
(360) 452-7631 www.peninsulapha.org/

211 is a telephone hotline to help people and families with services such as shelter, addiction, child care, mental health, senior assistance, health care and more. 
Dial: 211

WA State Employment Support with employment searches, unemployment filings and benefit information 
(360) 457-2103 www.esd.wa.gov

Olycap Adult care, client support services, community centers, early childhood services, employment, energy assistance programs, food distribution, home care, housing and emergency shelter, weatherization, Job Lift (West End), Senior Nutrition/Congregate & Home Delivered Meals. 
228 W 1st Street, Suite J. 
(360) 452-4726 www.olycap.org

Lutheran Community Services services include: Basic needs and crisis assistance, resource information and community referrals, computer access for job search, assistance signing up for food stamps, Child Check preschool screenings, parent coaching, budget management, health and nutrition.
(360) 452-5437  http://lcsnw.org/program/clallam-county-services/

First Step Family Support Center provides support and education services to Clallam County families as part of the agency mission to promote the healthy development of children and families.
(360) 457-8355 www.firststepfamily.org

The Answer for Youth (Tafy) Helps with resources for homeless and at risk families in Port Angeles. https://www.theanswer4youth.org/

Call or text 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/