Middle and Upper School Counseling

Counseling Services

List of 4 items.

Academic Programs
- Study Skills & Learning – Providing different strategies for academic success
- Gateway – Program designed to give freshmen the tools to develop the foundations for success through first semester classroom guidance sessions
- Individual Support – Personalized academic planning
- Peer Tutoring – One-on-one tutoring support
Leadership Programs
- C2AC – Mentoring program through which juniors help with the freshmen’s transition to high school
- Enhancement Programs – Internship and summer program experiences
- Grade Level Assessments – Learning Style, Career Inventory, Strength Finder
- Self-Assessments – A student-led conference focusing on academic performance and progress toward meeting the Gilmour Academy outcomes — see "Self-Assessments" button for details
- Advisory – A group of 8-10 students and a faculty member who meet weekly for discussions and school updates. The advisor also helps with goal-setting, self-assessments, scheduling and areas of academic concern.
Social Emotional Programs
- Individual Counseling – Guiding students toward possible solutions
- Relationships – Creating, building and fostering healthy relationships
- Adolescent Growth & Development – Navigating developmental milestones
- Parent Programming – A series of engaging programs, workshops and guest speakers to educate parents on current topics relating to adolescent development
- Substance Abuse Programming – Educating adolescents to make healthy choices through various programs
Career Programs
- Assessments – Students take the following assessments: Learning Style Inventory, Personality/Career Inventory, Strength Finder.
- Classroom Guidance – Students have the opportunity to interact with grade-level students on relevant topics.
- Alumni Career Day – Alumni come to campus to share information about their respective careers.
- Career Exploration through Summer Initiatives – Students consult counselors to determine passions and opportunities outside of the classroom.

List of 3 members.

Mrs. Meagan (Urban) Fowler

Director, Student Support Services

(440) 473-8000 x5002

fowlerm@gilmour.org
Bio
Meg is a proud member of the Lancer family and feels blessed to assist students and families from the Montessori Toddler program through Grade 12 as the Director of Student Support Services. She also has the privilege of being the Middle School counselor and working closely with an amazing group of students.

As a graduate of Gilmour’s Class of 2006, Meg has kept the mission of having “the competence to see and the courage to act” close to her heart throughout her educational journey. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Ohio University and a master’s and specialist degree in school psychology at Kent State University. Meg returned to Gilmour in the fall of 2013 and has been committed to enhancing the supports and care that all students need as they develop academically, emotionally and spiritually.

Meg shares her love of GA with her husband, Jay ’00, who teaches at the Lower School and serves as its assistant director. Together they have a young son, James, who continues to remind them of the joys and uncertainty that parenthood brings. They also have a nine-year-old puggle, Kaya.

Meg loves her job for many reasons, but most of all she enjoys getting to work with students every day. She hopes that she has the opportunity to help each student in some capacity so that they have the same positive student experience that she did!
Ms. Samantha Johnson

Director of Upper School Counseling; Assistant Coach-Varsity Girls Lacrosse

(440) 473-8000 x3008

johnsons@gilmour.org
Bio
Sammy Johnson’s Lancer roots date back to 2005 when she started her freshman year of high school at Gilmour. After graduating in 2009, she went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in family studies at Miami University of Ohio and continued her education at Cleveland State University, where she earned her master’s in school counseling. Sammy returned to Gilmour in 2015 as a member of the counseling department.

Sammy is honored to be back at her alma mater. Her role as a school counselor has been rewarding as she loves working with students, teachers, the administrative team and parents, all of whom are vested in educational success. She encourages all students to strive to achieve their goals, and believes there’s no better place to achieve those than at GA! Sammy considers the opportunity to work at Gilmour one of the greatest joys in her life.

When not working, Sammy enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, traveling around the world and watching Cleveland sports teams. She loves to laugh, craft, cook and try new things. She looks at each day as a new opportunity! Roll Tribe and go Lancers!
Ms. Rebecca Reidy

Associate Director of College and Residence Life Counseling

(440) 473-8000 x3004

reidyr@gilmour.org
Bio
Becky has been working at Gilmour since 2011 in the Counseling and Residence Hall communities. She loves the opportunity to work alongside students as they navigate the college process. Before arriving at Gilmour, Becky spent seven years working on the college admission side, and she utilizes that expertise and knowledge to help students and families through the college decision process. In addition to her college counseling role, Becky also serves as the counselor for all students in the Residence Hall during their entire Gilmour experience. She helps them juggle the demands of high school while living away from home.

Originally from Syracuse, New York, Becky earned a bachelor's degree in music education and piano performance from Xavier University, a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Saint Louis University, and a post-master’s license in school counseling from John Carroll University. She is active in the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the Ohio Association of College Admission Counseling (OACAC) organizations. She was elected in 2018 by other Ohio high school counselors and Ohio college admission professionals to be one of the six Ohio delegates for the NACAC Association. In this three-year term, Becky will function as a member of the governing body that initiates, advises and provides consent on association and professional issues within the higher education field. In addition, she will serve as a member of the Executive Board for the Ohio Association of College Admission Counseling (OACAC) for the next three years.

Becky loves her job for a wide variety of reasons, but her favorite moments are the encounters she has with students on a daily basis. She loves the opportunity to get to know students and families, and watching them experience the joy of being part of the Gilmour community just as she has.

Outside of counseling, Becky loves all things music and being in the outdoors. Winter is her favorite season, as she enjoys skiing and making snow angels.

List of 4 members.

Ms. Michele Kay

Coordinator of Learning Enhancement; School Counselor

(440) 473-8000 x3009

kaym@gilmour.org
Bio
Like a senior investigating colleges, Michele knew the moment she stepped on the Gilmour campus that Gilmour would become her new home. Having spent her first educational career in one academic environment, she was ready for a change. She was looking for an educational community that truly worked with students to identify who they are, what they want to become and how they will reach their destinations. She was looking for a setting that was deeply committed to social justice and to educating “the mind and the heart.” She found her match.

Michele’s tenure has given her the wisdom to understand academic as well as social/emotional needs, and to encourage students to attain their individual potential and their natural curiosity. She is energized by her students and works with them to develop a passion for lifelong learning, to think outside the box and to promote social conscience. But, most importantly, she wants them to live every day to the fullest and to embrace the gift of life.

Michele is a wellness-a-holic. She maintains a healthy lifestyle, works out daily and practices yoga. She is also a travel enthusiast. Whether she is hiking base camp at Mount Everest, the hills of Mont Blanc or the Colorado Rockies, or following her commitment to global understanding by visiting continents across the world, she cherishes each and every day.
Mr. James Kazel Jr.

School Counselor, US; Head Coach - Varsity Boys Tennis and JV Girls Tennis

(440) 473-8000 x3007

kazelj@gilmour.org
Bio
Jamie’s Gilmour journey began in the fall of 2000, when he was hired as a residence hall proctor. He embraced responsibilities such as head varsity men’s lacrosse coach and director of the student service program. After earning his master’s degree in school counseling from John Carroll University, he shifted his focus and responsibility to high school counseling and academic advising. Jamie now coaches both boys and girls tennis, is the voice for many of Gilmour’s home athletic competitions, and leads international curriculum-based trips for students during the summer months.

Gilmour has helped Jamie understand the significance of each position, past and present, and the impact it has on people’s lives. As a counselor, Jamie has realized the importance of guidance. As a coach, he has come to appreciate the power of inspiration. And as an advisor, he has learned the significance of a mentor.

What Jamie admires most about Gilmour is its community of resilient, driven, faith-centered people. He learned from the Brothers of Holy Cross that if we live each day passionately, knowing we can make a difference, then it is likely that we won’t worry about the past nor lose sleep thinking about what tomorrow entails. The present is where life is lived.

Jamie celebrates life each day with his wife, Regan, who is also in education, their son, James, and their black lab, Buckeye!
Mrs. Kathleen Lynch

Administrative Assistant to the Director of Upper School; College Counseling and Student Development

(440) 473-8000 x3001

lynchk@gilmour.org
Mrs. Erin Song

School Counselor, US; Head Coach-Varsity Girls Lacrosse

(440) 473-8000 x3010

songe@gilmour.org
Bio
Erin is excited and honored to be a school counselor. Working alongside students as they navigate and overcome the obstacles in their path is a responsibility she is grateful for every day!

She currently works with the sophomore class and coordinates peer tutoring. She is also the head varsity girls lacrosse coach. Erin is continuously inspired as she observes students identify and hone their strengths, passions and potential both in and out of the classroom.

Originally from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Erin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in athletic coaching education from West Virginia University, and a master’s degree in school counseling from Bloomsburg University. Erin swam and played lacrosse collegiately. After graduating, she spent eight years as a college swim coach (assistant coach NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3) and college lacrosse coach (head coach NCAA Division 2). She believes her time spent in higher education created a foundation to transition into her school counselor role because she has an understanding of the expectations beyond graduation.

Outside of school Erin loves the beach and being active. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Danny, and their sons Chris, who currently attends Gilmour Lower School, and John Paul (JP).

-American School Counselor Association

Counseling Services

List of 4 items.

Academic Programs

Leadership Programs

Social Emotional Programs

Career Programs

MS/US School Counseling Staff

List of 3 members.

Mrs. Meagan (Urban) Fowler

Ms. Samantha Johnson

Ms. Rebecca Reidy

List of 4 members.

Ms. Michele Kay

Mr. James Kazel Jr.

Mrs. Kathleen Lynch

Mrs. Erin Song

Mailing Address