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.

Mission Statement

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.

Vision Statement

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

Counselor Contact Information
Michelle Townsdin, School Counselor (Student Last Names A-K) Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Email: michelle.townsdin@ferndalesd.org Phone: (360) 383-9896
Abby Wilson, School Counselor (Students Last Names L-Z) Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM) Email: a bigail.wilson@ferndalesd.org Phone: (360) 383-9897

Additional Supports

“Click” on this link to connect with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor, available 24/7 https://crisistextline.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Free, confidential support for people in distress and/or crisis (not limited to suicidal crisis) 988, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Trevor Project Hotline (LGBTQ focus)

1-866-488-7386, https://www.thetrevorproject.org

National Parent Helpline:

1-855-427-2736, https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org

Bellingham Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS)

1-877-715-1563, https://www.dvsas.org

Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453, http://www.childhelp.org/hotline/

Whatcom County Mental Health Service Providers:

Psychology Today Mental Health Provider Directory – a directory of clinicians in private practice that allows users to search by location, specialty, insurance, type of therapy, etc.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/wa/bellingham