Student Support

St. Anne’s Counseling Program: Nurturing Minds and Hearts

At St. Anne’s, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child—emotionally, socially, and academically. Our counseling program, with two full-time counselors for Lower and Middle School, is central to this mission. Led by LS Counselor, Ana Dodson, and MS Counselor, Maura McGowan, the program is designed to meet the developmental needs of students at every stage, providing tailored support to help them thrive.

At the heart of St. Anne’s counseling program is a commitment to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where every student feels welcome. Our hope is to destigmatize mental health, foster resilience, and promote self-care and emotional well-being. Whether a student is navigating emotional distress or simply needs someone to talk to, they know they have a trusted counselor to turn to.

The program follows a tiered approach, with classroom lessons, one-on-one sessions, and collaboration with families and teachers. This structure ensures that every student receives the right level of support, whether through class activities, individual counseling, or small-group sessions.

For our younger students in the Lower School, the focus is on social-emotional learning (SEL), including lessons on coping skills, healthy friendships, kindness, gratitude, and more. MindUp and Zones of Regulation have been used to help students manage emotions and interact positively. Child safety education, such as Child Help, is also integrated into the curriculum.

In Middle School, the program builds on this foundation, focusing on mental health, conflict resolution, social media, suicide prevention, and more. Students continue to learn about child safety specifically regarding boundaries, consent, internet use, and peer relations. Maura offers support for the unique challenges that adolescence brings. 

A key strength of the St. Anne’s counseling program is its approachability and visibility. Both students and parents know that Ana and Maura are always available for support. The counseling team connects with parents through Parent Coffee Chats and regularly maintains open lines of communication via email and office visits.

Counselors Ana and Maura are committed to helping students build a strong sense of belonging, not only within the school community but also within themselves. By providing the tools and guidance needed to manage emotions and navigate life’s challenges, they are helping students develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive.

 

Maura McGowan

Grade 5-8 Counselor
Phone: 303-756-9481 x314
Maura earned her B.S. in Human Development from Virginia Tech and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from West Chester University. She is also an LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate). Maura loves being a safe space for the community and enjoys the variety that each day brings, as she interacts with students, parents, and teachers. She chose St. Anne’s for its supportive community and leadership team, feeling welcomed even during the interview process. St. Anne’s has helped her feel more at home in Denver. When not working, Maura enjoys traveling, being outdoors, or napping. She loves taking her dog, Maple, for walks and cooking delicious meals for friends.