My name is Phyllis Parker, and I am honored to serve as the School Counselor at Holy Family School. I am completing my fifth year here, having joined this community in January 2021 after a long and fulfilling career in education. I began teaching in 1993 and worked with students across elementary, middle, and high school. In 2008, I became a certified school counselor and transitioned from the classroom to the counselor’s office while working in public education. Altogether, I served 28 years in the public school system before feeling called to Holy Family. When I learned that the school was searching for a School Counselor, I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of a Christ-centered environment where children are loved, supported, and guided with purpose. During my time here, I also had the privilege of serving as Interim Principal for a year and a half while the school searched for a new leader to fill that role.
At Holy Family, I support students in Pre-K3 through 8th grade by providing academic guidance, social-emotional support, behavioral interventions, crisis response, and student advocacy. My counseling philosophy is rooted in a whole-child, faith-based approach that nurtures each student’s strengths while promoting character, confidence, and resilience. I work closely with teachers and families to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to grow. Being part of this community has been a blessing, and I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our students as they develop into capable and compassionate young people.
One of my favorite quotes captures the heart of why I do this work:
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” – Marian Wright Edelman