Hello, my name is Tanya Dixon, and I am Bessemer’s 3^rd-5^th grade Professional School Counselor. I am a North Carolina A&T State University alumnus with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Poster Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I have 3 lovely children; Raeshaunte, Chassidy, and Chloe' who are my world. I am a professional Jazz vocalist who had the opportunity to sing for President George W. Bush during a fundraiser for Elizabeth Dole at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC. I have had the opportunity of working with young people in Guilford County public school system for over 15 years. The many roles I facilitated were PTSA President, Cheerleading Coach, Kids Voting Chair, Substitute Teacher, Lunch Buddy, and volunteering in other needed areas. I created "DD's Girls", a girl empowerment/mentoring club, for middle grade females who were struggling with academics and personal development. 

As your school counselor here at Bessemer Elementary, it is a privilege to share information that will aid our students with the social emotional learning (SEL) competencies to foster knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to build a foundation for future success. I am honored to embrace this endeavor as I work with your little precious ones through individual, group, and classroom guidance lessons. This will be my 6th year as a school counselor at Bessemer and I will continue to support students and families by:

*Building positive attitudes towards self, family, peers, and community.

*Identifying decision-making, resolving conflicts and having respect for others.

*Working with parents and teachers to identify learning needs and create interventions to build student success.  

* Providing support to student and family during a personal crisis. 

* Working with students and families on attendance issues.

* Managing referrals to in house and outside agencies.

* Fostering student career awareness.

* Creating a safe and positive learning experience for all students

The goal is to partner with staff and families, to remove barriers, and identify interventions for students’ academics and personal/social needs to promote educational achievement.