Wyoming School counselor association

2025 School Counselor of the Year

Congratulations Kaylena Rasmussen!

My name is Kaylena Rasmussen.  I am a school counselor at Anderson Elementary in Cheyenne. I am truly humbled and honored beyond words to have been bestowed with the prestigious title of Wyoming School Counselor of the Year for the year 2025. Wyoming holds a special place in my heart as it has been my lifelong home.  The beginning of my educational journey can be traced back to the day I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, a pivotal moment that sparked my passion for teaching and nurturing young minds.

After dedicating six enriching years to the classroom setting, I came to a profound realization about my deep-seated interest in supporting the mental well-being of students, which led me to pursue a Master of Arts degree in school counseling.

Today, as an elementary school counselor, my unwavering commitment lies in creating and implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that caters to the unique needs of each and every student under my care. Collaboration with fellow educators and families stands as a cornerstone in our efforts to enhance mental health interventions, monitor student progress, and craft innovative approaches to propel students toward academic and personal success.

In my professional capacity as a counselor, I have dedicated my efforts to specializing in crisis intervention. It is with great pride that I am an integral part of the Incident Response Protocol team at Laramie County School District One, a team that stands ready to support all members of our district – be it staff, students, or families. The core objective of this team is to deliver essential mental health assistance to schools navigating challenging crises, facilitated by a team of highly skilled counselors. Through my involvement with this team, I have had the privilege of contributing to the development and implementation of a comprehensive crisis response strategy that is indispensable for our district's well-being.

In addition to my role as a counselor within the educational setting, I also actively champion for the rights and well-being of students in my community by serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. This pivotal role entails working closely with children in the foster care system, offering them much-needed support and guidance. Furthermore, I collaborate closely with the parents of these children, aiding them in accessing the vital resources required for the process of family reunification. By combining my expertise in crisis response with my dedication to advocating for vulnerable children, I strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact within our community.

Advocacy for the well-being of all students is not just a professional duty but a personal mission that I hold dear. Whether it involves championing the cause of school counseling within the confines of our school, at the district level, within the community, or on a broader state platform, I am steadfast in my resolve to be a vocal advocate for the profession. My goal is to make a lasting impact by ensuring that every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to both the American School Counselor Association and the Wyoming School Counselor Association for honoring me with this incredible award. I am truly grateful for the recognition and support they have shown me, and I look forward to continuing my work with passion and dedication in the field of school counseling.
 

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