At JPII, the Counseling Department plays a vital role in shaping students’ academic confidence, emotional wellbeing, and growth in faith. Guided by the mission to support each student’s journey toward academic independence, emotional resilience, and empathy for themselves and others, the counseling team is entering this year with renewed vision and energy with the addition of Director of Counseling Mrs. Bobbie Caine and Middle School Counselor Ms. Claire Wehby to the team that includes returning High School Counselors Ms. Kelly Hogan and Mrs. Lien Linero.

Experience That Shapes Their Service
JPII’s newest counselors describe their paths to JPII as a blend of professional preparation and a calling to serve students more directly.

Ms. Wehby, a St. Cecilia graduate with a Master’s in School Counseling from Xavier University, says stepping into JPII felt natural. Growing up in Catholic schools and with close family ties to JPII, she understands the culture and mentality of the students. “In grad school I interned in a high school, so I know what comes next for middle schoolers,” she said. “It helps me prepare them for the next few years.”

Mrs. Caine brings a wide range of experience, including years as a high school teacher, middle and high school counselor, and most recently, District School Counselor Coordinator for Sumner County, where she supported 90 counselors across K–12 schools. “I missed the kids,” she shared. “After working at the district level, I gained a systems perspective, but I knew I wanted to be back with students. This role lets me use both skill sets.”

Connection, Growth, and College Readiness
Both counselors shared favorite moments from the year, moments that have already allowed them to see meaningful impact in their work.

For middle school, Ms. Wehby emphasized the “minute meetings” with 6th and 8th graders. These brief one-on-one conversations gave her a chance to learn about each student’s interests and involvement early on. “It helps us form relationships and lets students know I’m here for them,” she said.

Mrs. Caine reflected on the thriving college counseling program. This fall’s college fair hosted nearly 90 colleges, and she noted how engaged students were. She has also enjoyed working closely with seniors during the application process, which is a benefit made possible by JPII’s strong counselor-to-student ratio. Freshmen and sophomores have also received classroom lessons on GPA, transcripts, time management, career exploration, and the education-career connection, laying crucial groundwork for the years ahead.

Mrs. Caine is most excited to see where the Class of 2025 will choose to continue their education. “The real work begins after acceptances come in,” she explained. Junior college planning begins in February under Ms. Hogan’s guidance, and the team is already preparing for a strong launch.

For middle school, Ms. Wehby looks forward to completing success plans with 8th graders and providing test preparation support, especially for younger students facing their first exams. 

Both counselors emphasized the value of parent partnership.Mrs. Caine encourages parents to stay engaged academically and emotionally, checking in with students regularly, and reaching out to the counseling team whenever they have questions or concerns. “We are here to support parents just as much as students,” she said. “Our families are eager to engage, and we value that collaboration.”

Ms. Wehby added that early outreach is key: “If parents notice concerns, like a few late grades, it’s better to contact us before it becomes a bigger issue.” With weekly grade checks from the Student Support Team, counselors catch much, but not everything because those checks focus on students with grades that have already dipped below 70. Open communication helps ensure all students receive timely support when they need it.

Advice for the Busy Season Ahead
As students prepare for exam week and seniors tackle college deadlines, the counselors offer simple but essential advice:

• Ms. Wehby: “Get good sleep, stay hydrated, and avoid too much caffeine.”
• Mrs. Caine: “Stay organized. Create a calendar and checklist so your brain doesn’t have to hold everything. And schedule downtime; you need moments to rest and connect with family and friends.”

New Initiatives and a New Counseling Blog
This year, the Counseling Department is launching earlier college and career planning for 9th and 10th graders, ensuring students understand GPA, admissions, and career pathways long before junior year begins. “Education is powerful,” Mrs. Caine said. “We don’t want students to feel pressure, just to be informed.”

They are also launching a new JPII counseling blog to help families understand adolescent development, learn what is normal, recognize what may be concerning, and access counselor-recommended strategies and resources. “It’s another way to communicate with families and offer support,” Mrs. Caine explained.

Both counselors describe JPII as a place where their work feels supported and their mission aligned with the school community. Mrs. Caine summed it up beautifully: “I feel like God led me here, and I’m happy to be here. We stepped into a well-functioning department. We are just adding to what was already working.”

Ms. Wehby echoed the sentiment:  “I feel supported by everyone in the building. It’s truly a team effort to support our students.”

With a strong partnership between counselors, families, students, and teachers, the Counseling Department is poised for a year filled with growth, connection, and purpose, one that reflects the heart of JPII’s mission to support the development of the whole student.