The Howl Podcast, Episode 10: School Counselor Donna Grant Teaches Students That They Can Do Hard Things

To listen to the podcast, click here, or watch a video of the episode below. If you are unable to watch the video on YouTube, click here. Also, we invite you to scroll down to read more about Donna Grant and the Counseling program.

When families think about junior boarding school, they often envision the rigorous academics and enriching extracurriculars that help prepare their child for the path ahead. While these elements are essential, the human element might be the most important of all—especially for children ages 10 to 16—as it allows students to get the most out of the skills they learn. It’s this human element—what you might call a circle of care—that makes junior boarding school so unique. At Rectory, that circle includes a Counseling program built upon the experience, empathy, knowledge, and wisdom of School Counselor Donna Grant. 

Ms. Grant’s professional expertise spans a broad spectrum of time and disciplines, though her geographical footprint can be narrowed down to a three-mile radius from the School. She grew up just down the road from Rectory and began working in youth development programs like 4H. She also worked in the nursing department at our local hospital for many years. Just a few towns over, she led TEEG—a non-profit human service organization providing assistance and support to families in northeastern Connecticut—for nearly two decades. This led her to pursue a Master’s in Social Work from Rhode Island College, after which she landed a position in her alma mater, Killingly High School. Her presence there was much needed during tumultuous times at the school. Asked to bring her standard poodles with her to work to provide comfort and support to the school community, she began to see the profound impact dogs could have on students. Her poodles provided a sensory experience to help kids regulate, decompress, and feel loved. Naturally, when she learned about Rectory’s dog-friendly policy, she realized this was a perfect match!

Building from the Ground Up

When Ms. Grant first started at Rectory, the Counseling department was just a small part of the Residential Life program, existing mostly to offer extra care to homesick boarding students. Ms. Grant was able to fill the hole in our program and meet students where they were. Especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, Rectory students, like students everywhere, needed extra emotional support. Today, the Counseling program has expanded into a robust, two-person team that also includes Kayla Gustavson, a talented young therapist who originally came to Rectory through a partnership with a local college. Ms. Gustavson completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work internships at Rectory. The internship program developed by Ms. Grant proved to be an excellent opportunity to recruit great talent. Together, Ms. Grant and Ms. Gustavson form a dynamic duo supporting the social and emotional health of the student body.

Reducing Stigma

Ms. Grant is quick to point out that seeking Counseling is not about being weak or helpless. Just like we go to the gym to grow our muscles and develop our bodies, we go to a counselor to grow our relationship with ourselves. Ms. Grant serves as a mirror to help kids develop a deeper understanding of who they are and what matters most to them. She believes helping students learn to like themself lays the foundation for them to form healthy friendships throughout their lifetime. Students at Rectory may take it upon themselves to seek out time with a counselor, or an adult involved with their experience may bring any concerns to Ms. Grant’s attention. Students may be seen on a regular basis or only as issues arise. Students with ADHD may talk about strategies to help them focus. Some may learn mindfulness and meditation techniques. Those feeling homesick might learn ways to build stamina and resilience each day. Whatever the need, the Counseling department is equipped with the resources to meet the students where they are. 

“You can do hard things,” is a mantra that Ms. Grant will often share with students to remind them of all they can do. While the middle-school years can be a challenging time, a community like Rectory’s and a program like Ms. Grant’s provide a safe place to form foundational skills that will last a lifetime.