School Counseling Team

Our team provides a variety of services to our school community including college counseling,
pastoral counseling, emotional counseling, and referral.

Our Mission

At OCSI, our School Counseling program embodies our core values—Excel • Grow • Serve—by nurturing the whole student. We actively partner with students, families, and educators to provide culturally responsive support that empowers spiritual formation, academic success, and community service rooted in Christ.

The Role of the School Counselor

School counselors are key collaborators in each student’s journey. As student advocates, they support personal, social, academic, and spiritual growth. Counselors meet individually with students, lead developmentally appropriate lessons in classrooms and small groups, and partner with families and staff to help every student thrive in mind, body, and spirit.

Mr. Andy Roe

Chaplain

Spiritual and pastoral counselling and support for students, parents, staff, and the OCSI community as a whole, as well as weekly chapel services for all students.

Mrs. Norah Lopez

School Counselor

Child Safety Team Leader, emotional counselling and referral services, student strengths assessment, and support for the college and career counsellor.

Mrs. Jess Sartore

College Counselor

College and career counselling, college information sessions for students and parents, coordination of college visits, and academic advising for four-year planning.

Mr. Daniel Claxton

Testing Coordinator

Coordination of SAT and ACT exams for college entrance, coordination of AP exams, and support in Japanese with college information.

Our Approach

OCSI’s counseling ministry is:

Addressing academic, emotional, and spiritual development

Equipping students with tools and resilience before struggles arise

Grounded in biblical truth and the values of servant leadership and belonging

Every interaction is designed to help students discover their God-given identity and purpose, and to guide them toward excellence in character, informed decision-making, and compassionate service.

Counseling Programs by Grade Level

Elementary

Kindergarten - Grade 5

Focus Areas

Executive functioning, peer relationships, transition support, personal resilience, collaborative planning with educators and parents

Middle School

Grades 6 - 8

Focus Areas

Executive functioning, peer relationships, transition support, personal resilience, collaborative planning with educators and parents

High School

Grades 9 - 12

Focus Areas

Executive functioning, peer relationships, transition support, personal resilience, collaborative planning with educators and parents

All services—classroom guidance, group and individual counseling, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and referrals—are designed to align with OCSI’s mission and foster students who are prepared to excel, grow, and serve.

What We Believe

At the heart of our counseling philosophy is confidence in each student’s God-given potential. We believe:

  • Every student deserves to feel accepted, respected, and safe.
  • Growth and transformation are possible in every season.
  • Counselors are called to partner with families and teachers to support each student’s journey in meaningful, holistic ways.

Confidentiality & Care

Maintaining trust is essential. School counselors follow professional ethical standards and honor the sanctity of each conversation. Information shared in counseling is held in confidence, while ensuring student safety is always our first priority.

In cases of concern for a student’s well-being, counselors collaborate with parents and necessary professionals to provide appropriate care and support.