Student Connection Center

Brian Kennedy:

My name is Brian Kennedy and I am ecstatic to be working at Clayton HS as a Social and Emotional learning counselor.  I am a father of three which includes a 17yr old daughter, 15 yr old daughter, and a 10yr old son. Being the father of two teenage daughters, I realize that there are many challenges High School students face on a daily basis. I am here to assist students in making responsible choices, building healthy relationships, learning to be socially responsible, and self-aware. Along with managing emotions, impulsive behavior, and stress. My office is a safe confidential space for students to express themselves without feeling confused or worried. 

I have a Bachelor’s degree from St Joseph’s University and I am at the end stages of earning my masters in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. For the past 20 years I have been working with adolescents as a counselor, mentor, or coach of some sort. I am very passionate about my job and try to bring the best out of every student that I encounter. As a Social and Emotional Learning Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the social/emotional development of all students. It is important to me that I work closely as a team with parents/guardians, teachers, administration, and staff to ensure each student is receiving all the support they need to guide them through these high school years.  I look forward to continuing to make Clayton High School a place where all feel welcome, respected, and accepted. 

Zhabre Russell:

Hello! My name is Zhabre Russell, one of the new Social Emotional Learning Counselors at Clayton High School. I received my Bachelors degree in Social Work at Stockton University. Then, I obtained my Masters degree in Social Work at Simmons University. I have a variety of experiences working with many populations including children and families. I have experience interning at a high school and facilitating groups. Also, I provided counseling to adults in treatment while pursuing my MSW.

I have a passion for talking to and connecting with people. I believe everyone has the potential to be the best they can be. Sometimes, the journey makes that vision of being your best, blurry.  While navigating through high school, adolescents start to learn more about themselves, their interests, and the relationships in their lives. I want to teach students more about social/emotional development and skills to utilize for challenges that may arise. My office is a “safe space” for everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed. My goals are to help students achieve academic success and personal well-being while coordinating with parents and teachers to assure the student achieves their goals. I want the Student Connection Center to be a place where your children can get help if they ever need it. I want students and teachers to know SCC is available for whatever they need. I really look forward to working with students, staff, and families to ensure students feel supported during their high school years.

All services provided by the School-Based Services program are free of charge and require a signed parental consent form. Services are confidential and are provided by professional, licensed/certified staff.

• Consent Form (PDF)

The youth advisory board works to broaden the scope of youth leadership in the Student Connection Center and the Clayton School district.  Youth are involved through their input and ideas in policy issues, school-wide concerns as well as developing positive services and solutions. 

The board is composed of students in grades 6-8, who are referred by teachers for demonstrating respect, responsibility and integrity, in both social and academic areas. Students then meet once a month with the Youth Development Specialist, where they voice current concerns, provide input on activities and ideas for the school and provide feedback. 

As a member, students are expected to: 

1. Promote public awareness of strengths and abilities of youth to empower their peers to create a better school community
2. Actively engage youth in the planning, development, and implementation of activities
3. Create a forum that serves as a liaison between the youth population and student services
4. Develop healthy citizenry habits for the future of the community
5. Attend monthly meetings
6. To be a positive representative both in the school and community

S.U.R.E mentors is a cross-age peer mentoring program which works to create positive outcomes for youth in highschool as well as middle school. Such programs are beneficial as they provide growth and learning opportunities for both mentors and mentees; capitalize on the importance of peer relationships; and help with transition points in participants’ lives. This pertains to both highschool students preparing for life as an adult and middle school students entering into the school. 

Mentors are selected from highschool applicants, through interviews and referrals, to become a part of the mentor program. Once selected, they receive training and information to help them take on the mentor role. They then meet with all 6th grade students during their gym period, during which time they work on topics focusing on academic, organization, social skills, self esteem and stress management.

Although research is limited, there are a number of key research findings which demonstrate how powerful and useful peer mentoring can be. 

“For mentees, these programs have shown a positive impact on: connectedness to school and peers; feelings of competency and self-efficacy; grades and academic achievement; and prosocial behavior and attitudes.

For mentors, there have been reported improvements in :connectedness to school; self-esteem; empathy and moral reasoning; intrapersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; and relationships with parents” (1).

1. https://educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/building-effective-peer-mentoring-programs-intro-guide.pdf