Bellwood Antis’s new high school guidance counselor is proof that with a little tweaking of one’s goals the most fulfilling career path is just one decision away.
Since junior high school, Mrs. Michelle Beard had known she wanted to work in a school setting. Initially, she believed her path was in Special Education, but during her first education class and shadowing experience in college, she realized that wasn’t the right fit for her.
“It was my first psychology class that opened my eyes to the mental health field and sparked a new passion – supporting children and adolescents through counseling,” Miss beard stated.
It was during her senior year of college that Mrs. Beard discovered a community and school counseling program that perfectly combined her interests in education and mental health.
“As a school counselor, I’ve found fulfillment in helping students navigate career exploration and planning, while also being a trusted resource for their personal and social needs,” she said.
Miss Beard became a new high school guidance counselor at Bellwood-Antis this year, taking over for Mrs. Dani McNelis, who took a job as the district librarian.
“Mrs. Beard has been a welcome addition to our staff at BAHS,” said high school principal Mr. Richard Schreier. “She has experience and skills related to the Guidance Department, which has allowed us to continue to support our student body by assisting with career and college goals and mental health development.”
With the mental health of young people a growing concern in school, Miss beard hopes to be a supportive and trusted adult in the building that students feel comfortable going to with their problems and concerns.
“The school SAP team is a huge support for the mental health needs of our students and being a member of the team is something I enjoy most. The collaborative approach of school and community coming together to offer our students support they may not have access to otherwise is important,” Mrs. Beard said.
Miss Beard has many goals at Bellwood Antis, but tops among them is making sure graduates have a plan for the future following commencement.
“I hope to help develop programs to increase exposure to employment in our area, as well as provide our students with employability skills needed for their futures, regardless of their path,” she said.
Outside of school, Miss Beard enjoys traveling with her family, reading, Penn State football, and being the biggest fan of her two sons’ activities.
Mrs. Beard said she was drawn to Bellwood because it was so similar to her own high school.
“I have heard for years that Bellwood is a special place. I grew up in a small town and graduated from a school in similar size to Bellwood,” she said. “The support and involvement from the community and pride students and staff have in the district is what drew me to Bellwood.”
Miss Beard has two boys who are in 2nd and 4th grade at Foot of Ten Elementary in Hollidaysburg, where she lives near family. If she ever plans on moving, she says Bellwood would be the area where she begins her search.
