Warrior Wellness

The Student Assistance Counselors (SAC’s) provide confidential in-school support to students who are struggling with issues that negatively impact school performance. The SAC works with students to develop healthy coping skills, reduce risk factors, and make positive lifestyle choices. Services include assessment, crisis intervention, psycho-education, short-term counseling and referrals to community resources. Students are encouraged to utilize these services for concerns about themselves or others.

Students can seek assistance on their own or be referred by any member of our school community. Referrals and services are confidential, and will not become part of the student’s school record.

Some common issues included: stress management, family concerns & transitions, relationships concerns (friends, dating, etc.), substance use, feelings of anxiety and/or depression, anger management, coping mechanisms, eating disorders, body image, bullying, school-related concerns, self-esteem and self compassion, peer and social problems, grief and loss, suicide prevention, and ANY other issues that teens may be dealing with in today's world.

Mr. Rice is now in his sixth year as a SAC at WHRHS, after 10 years at his previous school as a SAC and school counselor.  He will offer support for any students struggling with any social emotional concerns, and likes to connect over topics including movies, music, sports and all things sci-fi.  He went to Rutgers for Economics and can relate to the challenges of figuring life out as a teenager and beyond. He has two boys, ages 10 and 12, and lives in Cranford.

Where can you find Ms. Rice?
Mr. Rice's office is in Room 57A, in the languages hallway and next to the breezeway.

How do I contact Mr. Rice?
Feel free to email to setup an appointment or stop by anytime - our SAC offices are always open!
Email: krice@whrhs.org
Phone: 908-647-4800 ext 7963

Ms. G. is in her third year as a SAC at WHRHS. She has previous experience working with students as a school counselor, with adults in outpatient substance use treatment facilities, and as a responder to incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition to being a certified School Counselor and Student Assistance Counselor, she is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Prior to working in the mental health field, she taught high school Spanish and coached cross country and track and field. In her personal life, she is an avid traveler, a doughnut enthusiast, an amateur hiker, a plant and tree lover, and an opportunistic dog-petter. She aims to serve as a source of support and to provide a place for students to be heard, affirmed, and understood.

Where can you find Ms. G.?
Ms. G.'s office is located in Room 94-4, across from the WHRHS Chorus Room. 

How do I contact Ms. G.?
Feel free to email to setup an appointment or stop by anytime - our SAC offices are always open!
Email: egiantisco@whrhs.org
Phone: 908-647-4800 ext. 6866

Trauma-Informed & Healing-Centered Practices
New Jersey’s students represent culturally rich and diverse backgrounds, each coming to school with their own individual set of experiences. Sometimes, these experiences can be of an adverse or traumatic nature which can impact the student’s academic achievement and social/emotional development. Schools have the opportunity to establish supportive, positive learning environments and practices for all students that not only provide structure but are also safe, welcoming, and relationship-centered. Doing so can help mitigate the effects of any trauma or adversity a student may be facing and support positive growth.

FOR TEENS:

TEENS (14-18) SKILL-BASED PROCESS GROUP
Meeting Dates: TBD (a new group start is on the horizon!)
More details: Facilitated by John Mopper, LPC at Blueprint mental health. Click here for link: https://blueprintmentalhealth.com/groups-and-workshops/

LGBTQ+ ADVISORY GROUP
Dates: Virtual meetings the 1st Monday of the month from 4:30pm-5:30pm
Details: Prevention Resources is facilitating an LGBTQ+ Advisory Group for teens in Central Jersey. Use QR code on flier to register. Click here for flier.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR ADOLESCENT INDIVIDUALS IN EATING DISORDER RECOVERY: *online & free*
Dates: Virtual meetings on Wednesdays @ 6pm on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month
Details: Open to the public - do not need to be in treatment at Center for Discovery. Register Here. 

FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS:

KNOW & TELL PARENTING: *free training*
Date: Thursday, April 11, 8:30am - 1pm
Location: Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in Branchburg
Details: Somerset County's Commission on Child Abuse & Missing Children (CCAMC) Annual Forum will feature presenters from NJ Children's Alliance & SC Child Advocacy Center. The presentation will address: red flags of child abuse, barriers to reporting abuse & how to overcome them, and strategies for keeping children safe (in-person & online). this is a free event for providers, school staff, parents, caregivers, or any other adult interested in this topic. Registration is required, as space is limited. To register please email Luisa Hernandez: lhernandez@co.somerst.nj.us . This workshop is co-sponsored with Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, RVCC, & Safe Communities Coalition. Click here for flier.

DE-ESCALATING CONFLICT WITH YOUTH & FAMILIES: Using Empathy to De-escalate Tense Situations
Date: Friday April 26, 10am -12pm
Details: When people are experiencing distress, misdirected anger is often the result. This workshop will assist participants in acknowledging anger from others, while trying to effectively assist them. Self-regulation techniques and practices will be presented. The training offers immediately useable tips for de-escalation as well as insight into this all-too-common behavior. Presented by Amy J. Saville, LCSW. Register in advance for this workshop: bit.ly/43vEUiy or contact Luisa Hernandez at: lhernandez@co.somerset.nj.us. Click here for flier.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUPS: *online & free*
Dates: Virtual meetings Mondays 6-7pm EST
Details: Open to anyone who is currently in treatment, in recovery, or has not yet sought treatment for a mental health disorder. Register Here.

FOR LOVED ONES OF INDIVIDUALS IN EATING DISORDER RECOVERY: *online & free*
Dates: Virtual meetings 8-9pm on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month.
Details: This group is open to family & friends of a loved one who is in eating disorder treatment, in recovery, or who has not yet sough treatment for an eating disorder. Register Here.

COUPLES WORKSHOP: "Like Each Other Again"
More details: Invest 6 hours of your life to reconnect with your partner, improve the quality of your relationship, and learn research proven strategies to like each other more using Gottman's Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Curriculum. This workshop is perfect for couples on the fence about therapy and is presented by Michele Mopper, LPC, LCADC, ACS through Blueprint Mental Health in Somerville, NJ.
Meeting dates: Weekend & weekday options. Click here for more details: https://blueprintmentalhealth.com/groups-and-workshops/

DROP-IN PARENT CONSULTS
Location: Blueprint Mental Health in Somerville, NJ
Dates: ongoing
More details: Drop-In Parent Consults are for parents who are on very different pages with their parenting approach and are looking for a neutral third party to share their perspectives with and receive direct feedback & recommendations. For more information, visit here: https://blueprintmentalhealth.com/drop-in-parent-consults/

BOOKS, PODCASTS, & MORE:

BITE YOUR TONGUE PODCAST: 
Link: https://www.biteyourtonguepodcast.com/ 
Details: "Did you ever expect being the parent/caregiver of an adult child would be so difficult? Introducing "Bite Your Tongue," a look at exploring that next chapter in parenting: building healthy relationships with adult children. From money and finance to relationships and sibling rivalry, we cover it all. Even when to bite your tongue! Join your hosts Denise Gorant and Kirsten Heckendorf as [they] bring together experts, parents and even young adults to discuss this next phase of parenting. [They] will chat, have some fun and learn about ourselves and our kids along the way!"

MY CHILD & ADDICTION: Parent-to-Parent Podcast
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-child-addiction/id1233772510 
Details: "Conceived and developed by three fathers whose children struggle with Substance Use Disorder. Joined by several other parent support group participants, their hope is that by sharing their stories other parents and family members are offered a little encouragement and heartfelt support as [fellow travelers on] this most challenging journey together." Access via iTunes & Google Podcasts.