Walnut Springs
Elementary School
Counseling
Hello! My name is Danya Rifkin, and I'm the counselor here at Walnut Springs Elementary! I got my bachelor’s degree in English from Texas A&M University (whoop!) and my master’s degree in counseling from Texas State University. I have worked in districts all over Texas, from Houston to Austin and now beautiful New Braunfels, and I have a wide array of experience with children of all ages and stages. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my beautiful baby girl. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all! I look forward to hearing from you and working with your amazing children!
What Does the School Counselor Do?
A School Counselor supports the social emotional health and growth of the student body, with the largest focus being placed on the general education population.
Teaches Classroom Lessons
The School Counselor can teach whole classroom lessons to proactively partner with the teaching staff to encourage building a strong foundation of social emotional skills school wide.
Meets with Groups of Students
The School Counselor can organize small groups of students who could benefit from extra support in the same or similar areas.
Meets with Students Individually
The counselor meets with students individually on a short term basis to build skills in a specific area.
Provides resources to students, families, and teachers
The School Counselor provides resources to students, families, and teachers as needed, and also
as a proactive measure as well.
Works with the team to brainstorm and problem-solve
The School Counselor meets with the campus team to help brainstorm ideas to help support
the needs of students socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Danya Rifkin
Walnut Spring Elementary Counselor
830-627-6547