Warrior Wellness
This page serves as an online resource for the Watchung Hills Community
to access information, activities, and support related to wellness.
Our goal is to provide our community with resources to enhance the social
and emotional wellness of all students and to maximize student development
in areas of: intellectual, emotional, social, and physical wellness.
- Student Assistance Counselors at WHRHS
- Rutgers LIGHT: Lifting Individuals to Growth, Healing, & Transformation
- Resources Beyond WHRHS
- Events & News
- Videos & Presentations
Student Assistance Counselors at WHRHS
Information About WHRHS' SAC Program
SAC Program Information
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.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, please contact one of the SAC’s listed below.
Student Last Names A-L
Kevin Rice, M.A.
krice@whrhs.org
908-647-4800 ext 7963
Student Last Names M-Z
Emma Giantisco, M.A., NCC, LAC
egiantisco@whrhs.org
908-647-4800 ext 6866
Mr. Kevin Rice
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 7 and 9, 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. Emma Giantisco
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, near the WHRHS Theater 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
Rutgers LIGHT: Lifting Individuals to Growth, Healing, & Transformation
Rutgers L.I.G.H.T
Lifting Individuals to Growth, Healing, & Transformation
WHRHS partners with Rutgers Behavioral Health to provide a school-based therapeutic program to students and families delivered by licensed clinicians. Rutgers L.I.G.H.T offers social and emotional support, psycho-education, skill-building, and therapy in a non-stigmatizing school environment. During 2022-2023, Rutgers L.I.G.H.T will also provide four caregiver engagement events in collaboration with the district's SEL initiatives.
If you have any questions on how to get linked with Rutgers L.I.G.H.T, please see a School Counselor, Student Assistance Counselor or Case Manager.
Resources Beyond WHRHS
Additional Resources
Crisis Resources
- NJ PerformCare: 877-652-7624
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 988
- 2nd Floor Youth Helpline: 888‐222‐2228
- Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services: 908-526-4100
- Family Crisis Intervention Unit: 732‐542‐2444
- Traumatic Loss Coalition: 732‐956-7782
- New Jersey Hopeline: 855-654-6735
- Somerset County Hope and Healing Program: 908-231-6414
Community Resources
High Achievers: Stress Management Counseling Group
A weekly virtual group for rising 10th-12th grade high schoolers struggling to manage their stress and high expectations of themselves.
Meeting Dates: Thursday, starting October 5 from 7-8pm *virtual* for 10 weeks
More details: https://www.hopehealinghappinesscounseling.com/group
Events & News
Community & Virtual Events
Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health
Date & Time: March 29, 2023 @ 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Register Here: http://tiny.cc/teenmh
Details: On March 29th, Community in Crisis will be co-hosting a webinar on Social Media and Adolescent Mental Health. They have invited Dr. Delaney Ruston, an expert in the field, to discuss the challenges and benefits of social media and share practical strategies on how we can support youth who are currently using social media. There will be Q&A after the presentation. Flyer link.
Grief & Poetry
Date & Time: Thursday, May 11 at 1pm EST
Details: Join Good Grief for a one-hour webinar on poetry and grief with Chanel Brenner (author & poet). All live attendees will receive a certificate of attendance
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y7oYrvS6SkuZnKOhzJq5FA
Grief Journaling
Date & Time: Thursday, June 8, 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Details: Presented by Good Grief, Dr. Neena Verma is a ‘Grief & Growth” counselor, expert companion, consultant, and trainer. She has authored “A Mother’s Cry…A Mother’s Celebration” and “Grief..Growth..Grace”
Registration: https://good-grief.org/event/community-webinar-grief-journaling-with-dr-neena-verma/
Videos & Presentations
Talking with Your Teens About Drugs & Alcohol
- Student Assistance Counselors' May 2, 2023 Presentation
-
Information for parents & caregivers about the latest drug & alcohol trends in teens and tips for talking openly with your teens about substance use.
Entrenamiento de recursos comunitarios 3-8-23
Los recursos y servicios disponibles en nuestra comunidad
- Una presentación de la asociación de educación sobre los recursos y servicios disponibles en la comunidad y cómo los jóvenes/las familias pueden acceder a estos servicios
Summer Strategies for Freshman Year
WHRHS Transition to High School
-
Parents of the incoming freshman class of 2026 will learn strategies to aid in the transition from middle to high school. The focus will be on the three key points of: self-esteem, anxiety management, and executive functioning.
Rutgers Video Presentation
Self Esteem and Your Teen
-
Presented by Rutgers School Based Clinicians, Michelle Pigott, PsyD and Jamie Pagdonsolan, LCSW. Learn about strategies to aid in developing healthy self- esteem as well as signs of struggling self-esteem with your teen. This presentation will provide resources, suggestions, and supports for your teen both in school and at home.
Watchung Parent/Guardian Night 1-12-22:
Supporting Teenagers with Anxiety
- Learn ways to identify Anxiety presentations in your child and how to help them cope with it. In addition, learn ways to provide support for yourself as the parent in the home.