For School Counselors, Advocates, and Administrators
The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) represents counselors at PreK-12 schools across the state. We promote professionalism and ethical practices and advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program in every Maine School.
Who will be the next Maine School Counselor of the Year?
You can also nominate someone for ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR or for a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
Congratulations to Kris Croteau!
2019-2020 Maine School Counselor of the Year
About the Winner
Kris Croteau is the school counselor at Messalonskee Middle School (MMS). She works with students in 6th-8th grades. This is her 12th year working at MMS. Before becoming a school counselor, Kris worked as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). According to Kris, becoming a certified School Counselor was the best personal and professional move that she has made.
Kris has worked hard to advocate for the School Counseling Profession. She is passionate about the work that she does and it is evident in all that she has done for the students at MMS over the years. “As the role between school counselor, school clinician and social workers continue to blur, Kris tirelessly advocates for the understanding of the school counselor and developmental guidance. She has been actively involved with legislation regarding the protection of direct services in the school counseling milieu. She understands and supports the K-12 school counseling curriculum and diligently attempts to educate her leaders and peers,” said Jeri Stevens, PhD, LCPC.
Tamiko Paquette, GT Teacher, said, “Kris is a person of strong moral character, a professional in the field of School Counselors. She has a constant “fire within” fueled by compassion and professionalism to maintain ethics and deliver the services of a School Counselor with dignity and respect.”
In 2018, Kris received the Hometown Hero award for her dedication to improving the quality of life for families in the RSU 18 community. This award highlighted her work with the schools food pantry, in which she created, as well as her fundraisers to provide cotton hygiene products to those in need. She works hard to reduce the barriers that get in the way of students’ learning.
Kris served on the MESCA board for numerous years and also served as its President. Currently, Kris is part of the government relations committee.
About the Award
The Maine School Counselor of the Year Award honors the best of the best – counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle or high school level. MESCA members make nominations throughout the year and the winner is announced at MESCA’s annual conference.
Scholarships for Graduate Students
MESCA can help offset the costs of your studies!
WHAT: Two $300 scholarships will be awarded at our annual conference.
WHO: Master’s level Counselor Education degree program students
WHERE: Husson University or the University of Southern Maine
WHEN: Applications are due by October 12, 2020.
2020 MESCA Conference Sponsors
Become a Member of MESCA!
Are you a dues-paying member of the Maine School Counselor Association? What are you waiting for? It’s worth every penny! MESCA members enjoy the support of peers from around the state, a members-only newsletter, professional development opportunities, discounts on conferences, and more.
