Under the direction of Mrs. Jackie Dingman, our Full-Time Divine Mercy School Counselor, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) courses at DMA are designed to foster the development of key emotional and social skills that contribute to students' overall well-being and success.
During this course, students focus on recognizing and managing their emotions, building healthy relationships, making responsible decisions, and developing empathy for others. The course will also focus on enhancing students' self-awareness, self-regulation, and social awareness, while promoting positive communication and conflict resolution strategies. Through Catholic based interactive lessons and activities, students will be empowered to navigate social situations, improve their interpersonal skills, and build resilience to face everyday challenges.
For elementary students, SEL often focuses on identifying and expressing emotions. Through engaging activities, stories, and discussions, they learn to recognize their feelings and those of their peers, which helps build their emotional intelligence. This foundation encourages them to communicate effectively and practice empathy. Students discuss how our community service projects here at DMA help others.
In middle school, SEL classes include a wide range of activities. It incorporates career counseling where students begin to explore their interests and strengths, helping them to visualize potential career paths. During SEL students enjoy discussing marketing strategies for fundraising, reading and teaching their younger buddies.
Bio: I am very excited to be here for my 7th year at Divine Mercy Academy! I have a masters degree in professional counseling with a concentration in school counseling and a BA in psychology with a minor in speech pathology.
Hometown: Paramus
I like working at the Academy because… As a counselor at DMA, I am lucky enough that I get to work with students from Prek-3 to 8th grade. I take pride in helping students build resilience and develop important life skills. Whether it's teaching them how to manage stress, resolve conflicts, or set goals, seeing their progress is incredibly rewarding.. . but what I love most about DMA is I truly love our school community. The collaboration of teachers, parents, and students working together is unlike any other school.
Counseling Philosophy: I practice person/child centered therapy, where the therapist uses a non-authoritative approach and listens without judgement. This therapy allows the students to build confidence and build a stronger sense of identity. I believe that emotional development, like academic development, is essential.
Fun Facts about me: In my free time I love snowboarding, hiking, and spending time with my dog Oliver.
When I’m not in the classroom you will find me… In Vermont or somewhere skiing or snowboarding!
My Personal Motto… If you are positive, you will see opportunities instead of obstacles.