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Horizon Middle School

Counseling

Resources and Support for Students

Middle School counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the diverse challenges faced by today's young learners.

We do not provide ongoing therapy but we do support students with ongoing challenges and steer students/families to external resources if ongoing interventions are warranted. We align with the Ferndale School District's commitment to develop the whole child - his/her/their social and emotional well-being in addition to academic achievement.

The mission of the Ferndale Middle School Counseling Team is to provide a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program that supports the academic, social-emotional, and career development of every student. Guided by the principles of the American School Counselor Association, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.


We believe in promoting a strong sense of belonging for every student, recognizing that each student has a unique story to tell, and that diversity enriches our school community. Through short-term individual counseling, group support, classroom lessons, and collaboration with families and staff, we strive to meet the distinctive needs of each student and help them develop the skills necessary to succeed academically, personally, and socially.

Our vision is for every student at Horizon Middle School to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment where they feel a deep sense of belonging. We envision a school community where all students are equipped with the skills, resilience, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges and pursue their academic, social-emotional, and career goals with success.


Through equitable access to a comprehensive school counseling program, each student will grow into a compassionate, responsible, and engaged individual who values diversity, overcomes challenges, and contributes positively to their community. Our counseling team strives to empower students to become lifelong learners, effective problem solvers, and self-advocates who embrace their unique identities and potential.

Our Role in Student Success:

As per the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) Model, Ferndale School Counselors provide both preventive and responsive services in:

  • Academic Development
  • Career Development
  • Personal/Social Development

An informational graphic titled "HMS Counselors" set against a green background with white school-themed doodles. On the left, a photo labeled "Ms. Wilson" shows a woman in sunglasses posing outdoors next to a herd of brown cows behind a wire fence. On the right, a photo labeled "Ms. Towsdin" shows a woman in a black beanie and jacket smiling on a sandy beach while petting her leashed dog.

Counselor Contact Information

Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Email: michelle.townsdin@ferndalesd.org
Phone: (360) 383-9896

Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM)
Email: abigail.wilson@ferndalesd.org
Phone: (360) 383-9897

Additional Supports

Click on 988Lifeline to connect with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Logo for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The text displays "NATIONAL" in white on a green banner, "SUICIDE" in large black letters with a green telephone receiver icon replacing the letter C, and "PREVENTION" in black letters below it. The word "LIFELINE" appears in large green font above the phone number 1-800-273-TALK (8255). A green footer banner lists the website, suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Whatcom County Mental Health Service Providers: