Counseling

Counseling services at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) promote personal well-being, healthy relationships, and the successful balance of academic, extracurricular, and community involvement for WAB students. WAB’s comprehensive counseling model offers guidance in all aspects of school life, from the first day of class to preparing for graduation, applying to universities, and preparing for life after graduation.??

At WAB we believe:

All students should be seen and heard. ?
All students should feel safe and secure. ?
All students are unique individuals, so their success and growth will be different.
All students should be given every opportunity to grow, change, and take risks without judgement or labels. ?
All students should be at the center of all decision-making processes and strategic planning. ?
School counselors are advocates to support all students' academic and social emotional well-being.??
School counselors provide support and resources to parents and staff. ?

Our Services

Explore Counseling by school section:

Elementary School

The WAB Elementary Counseling Department works closely with students, parents, teachers, mentors, learning support, and English as an Additional Language (EAL), to support the success and well-being of all students.

A comprehensive school counseling model includes support in the following domains:

Academic?- time management, organization, strengths-based approach, assessing student abilities, interests, and achievements. ?
Personal?- personal development, family relationships, individual counseling, and responsible decision-making.
Social?- friendships, relationship skills, and healthy lifelong strategies.
Global Perspective?- inclusion, diversity, Third Culture Kids, and international lifestyle.

Meet our Elementary School Counselors

Eliza Pomiecinska

ES - Counselor

Nandini Sukhtankar

ES - Counselor - HOD Counseling

Middle School

The WAB Middle School Counseling Department works closely with students, parents, teachers, mentors, learning support, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) to support the success and well-being of all students.

A comprehensive school counseling model includes support in the following domains:

Academic competence - organization, time management, and personalized learning.
Personal competence - positive coping strategies, stress management, conflict resolution, and responsible decision making.
Social competence - friendship, communication, empathy, and connection through clubs or activities.
Intercultural competence - inclusion, belonging, and life as Third Culture Kids.

Meet the Middle School Counselors

Rachel George

MS - Counselor - HOD Counseling & I-DEAS Lead

Tonya Ramsburg

MS - Counselor

High School

The High School Counseling Department works closely with students, parents, teachers, and mentors, and is part of WAB’s Student Support Services which also includes Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

We use a comprehensive, holistic model, meaning each counselor works within all the following domains: ?

Academic/University?- Academic planning and graduation requirements, university advising, college essays/personal statements, course selection, scheduling balance, study skills/time management, testing advice, surveys, career profile, and college research.
Personal -?Personal development, counseling, family relationships, guardianship, responsible choices, etc.?
Social?- Friendships, relationship challenges, and healthy lifelong choices and strategies.?
Global perspective?– Inclusion and diversity, Third Culture Kids, and international lifestyles.

Meet the High School Counselors

Brian Chesher

HS - Counselor

Michelle Chow-Liu

HS - Counselor - HOD Counseling

Arina Mei

HS - Counselor

Natasha Tavares

HS - Counselor - SEL Lead

University & Career Counseling

University and Career Counseling

Western Academy of Beijing is committed to supporting our High School students not only to make that transition, but to enter the world with confidence and success. Our counselors offer guidance in all aspects of preparing for life after graduation.

The transition from High School to university and beyond is an exciting and important time for our students, their families, and our staff.We involve parents every step of the way and help students individually to make informed decisions and discover what university or college is right for them. Guidance is given in all aspects of the application process, from writing stand-out essays to understanding admission and financial aid processes.

World of Work Program

The World of Work program offers students in the High School work experience opportunities, developing life skills and preparing to make informed choices about their future learning.

University Visits

WAB welcomes visitors from universities around the world. We regularly host university fairs and visits which bring over 140 university representatives from around the world to our community to ensure direct contact. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to attend these presentations.?

Career Fair

This event serves to broaden our students’ horizons and deepen their understanding of a variety of professions.

Past WAB Career Fair panelists include professionals from:

Architecture/Arts & Design based creative industries
Business/Finance/Law
Engineering/Research & Development
Entrepreneurship (starting your own business)/NGOs
Government/Diplomatic Affairs
Health/Medicine
Hospitality/Customer Relations
Journalism/Media
Marketing/Public Relations (PR)
Performing Arts/Dance/Music/Theater

University Application Support

WAB offers a wide range of resources and a comprehensive program. Our grade 11 and 12 students complete our University Counseling Curriculum which assists them and their families with future planning. The counseling department has a large selection of international reference guides, university catalogues, and admissions testing materials.

WAB’s dedicated counselors take the initiative in supporting students with university research and applications. These conversations about future pathways begin when WAB students enter high school.? Our counseling department involves parents every step of the way and helps students and families to make informed decisions and discover what university, college, or future is right for them. Guidance is given throughout the application process, from exploring universities and majors and writing stand-out essays, to understanding diverse admission processes. High School Counselors also offer a variety of workshops on different universities destinations around the globe.