Rounding off National School Counseling week, we zero in on one local counselor at P.C. Lujan Elementary school, helping young minds develop their social and emotional wellness.

David Pexa is the school counselor at the Home of the Satellites. He’s using breathing techniques as a way to help students regulate their emotions amid challenges of loss, unstable environments, and other stress.

Pexa also utilizes paired sharing to combat isolation and deepen social ties in real life. 

He said, “When we can get them grounded in themselves and feeling safe and recognizing that what's happening right here right now is safe, they’re gonna be in a much better position to learn, and they’re also gonna be less likely to act out with their peers. When we feel good about ourselves, we feel grounded and fulfilled. There’s not so much desire to antagonize each other.” 

Special shout out to all our school counselors out there! Happy School Counseling week!