Counselors at McKay

Mission Statement:

The comprehensive school counseling program at McKay High School focuses on the empowerment of all students
to maximize their potential in post-secondary education and the world of work.

Freshmen – A – Le – Joshua Lane
Freshmen – Lo – Z – Sydney Piras

10th Grade – Alpha A – L- Merri Bath-McDonald
10th Grade – Alpha M – Z – Dawn Piersma|

11th Grade – Alpha A – Fu – Jennifer Strong
11th Grade – Alpha G – Me – Virginia Antunez
11th Grade – Aplha Mi – Z – Lonnie Duran

12th Grade – Alpha A – Gan – Jennifer Strong
12th Grade – Alpha Gar – Ma – Virginia Antunez
10th Grade – Alpha Mb – Pa – Dawn Piersma|
12th Grade – Aplha Pe – Z – Lonnie Duran

Parent Outreach Coordinator – Ronnie Brooks

Request to see your counselor
by clicking here and submitting the request.

What We Do:

Academic Support: Assisting students to succeed in the classroom.

  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Resources (Mentoring and Tutoring)
  • Study Skills
  • Test Taking Strategies
  • Graduation Tracking
  • Scheduling and forecasting
  • 504 Plan Coordination

College and Career Readiness: Provide support and resources for students for life after high school.

  • Assisting with College Applications
  • College Research
  • Career Research
  • FAFSA Support
  • Scholarships
  • Letters of Recommendation

Social/Emotional:  Assist students in a variety of social emotional needs. While we are not licensed therapists, we are trained to support students with a variety of needs.

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief/Loss
  • Stress Management
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Social Skills Development
  • Anger Management
  • Self-Harm/Suicidal Idealization
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Gender Identity

Recent Counseling Posts

Oregon Gear Up – A Great Resource for low-income Students

November 15th, 2019|Comments Off on Oregon Gear Up – A Great Resource for low-income Students

Student and families please check out Oregon Gear Up. It is an organization supporting low- income student to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Check out their website for more information! 

Academic Resources

  • Mentors– Support people who check in with students regarding attendance and academics
  • Behavior Specialists– Individuals supporting students with behavior in school
    • Stanley Roberts
    • KJ Macrae
    • Chelsea Roberts
    • Juan Llamas
  • Scots Scholars– Opportunity on Saturday mornings for students to receive additional support in their classes. Students should connect with their teachers prior to attending Saturday school so that teachers can provide materials for students to work on. Saturday School is held on: November 2nd, December 7th, January 11th, February 29th, April 18th, May 30th from 9am-12pm in the library
  • Enrichment Academy– Opportunity for students to receive tutoring before school and after school. Students should bring all of their materials that they need assistance with. Morning sessions run every day from 7:10-8:10 in the library. Afternoon sessions run every day from 3:30-5:00 in the library. Dinner is offered for students who check in by 3:30. Transportation is not provided.
  • Student/Parent Vue: Student management systems detailing grades, attendance, assignments, and other important information. Call the main office if you do not have a user account. 503-399-3080
  • Travel Card– Tool for students and parents to use to assist in tracking attendance and homework each day. Travel cards can be picked up in the Student Support Center.
  • Cultural Advocates– Individuals collaborating and supporting students from specific cultural backgrounds.
    • Pacific Islander- Kenny Ramirez
    • African American- Dwight Roberson
    • Indian Education- Karly Rose Foster
  • Transition Education Program Advocate: Supports students who have lost housing, are couch surfing, or sleeping in car/tent/street.
    • Maritza Ceja at 503-391-4060 ext. 203207

Social Emotional Resources

Crisis Phone Numbers (mental health):

Marion County Youth and Family Crisis Services: 503-576-4673

Polk County Crisis Line: 503- 623-9289

Psychiatric Crisis Center: 503-585-4949

Norwest Human Services Crisis and Info Hotline: 503-581-5536

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Trevor Project (crisis line for students identifying as LGBTQIA+): 1-866-488-7386

Red Nacional de Prevencion del suicidio: 1-888-628-9454

Oregon Youthline (teen to teen crisis and help line): 1-877-968-8491 or text ‘teen2teen’ to 839863

Teen Dating and Domestic Violence 24/7 hotline: 503-399-7722

College & Career Readiness

Talent Search- College prep program to assist low income and/or first generation students. Commitment and time to the program is less than Upward Bound. Reach out to Ellen Massey for additional questions regarding the program or at 503-399-3080

Upward Bound- College prep program to assist low income and/or first generation students who would like additional one-on-one support and who can devote time year-round to the program. Reach out to Ana Arredono-Franco for additional questions regarding the program or at 503-399-3080

Oregon Career Information System- Website assisting students with discovering post-secondary plans and career planning. To login:  

Occupational Outlook Handbook- Resource for career exploration. Website has over 150 different careers with information about job growth, education needed for occupations, annual pay, and other important information related to career exploration. BLS.gov/ooh

Military options- Connect with local recruiters to discuss branches, jobs, and other opportunities. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine, National Guard, Navy. These branches also visit the school every now and then so be on the lookout for them at lunch!

Apprenticeships: Opportunity for individuals to earn money while receiving on the job training. See this website for more information here in Oregon: Oregon Gear Up: Organization supporting low-income students to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. https://oregongearup.org/calendar/event?page=4

Self Help/ FAQ's

Information coming soon.