Local News
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School Counselor Earns Prestigious National Certification
Ressie Jeffries Elementary School is thrilled to announce that our school counselor, Kristin Frankel, has earned the prestigious ASCA Certified School Counselor (ACSC) designation, an honor shared by only 57 school counselors nationwide. This recognition, awarded by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights her commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and ongoing professional development in school counseling.

Kristin Frankel, Ressie Jeffries Elementary School counselor, has earned the prestigious ASCA Certified School Counselor (ACSC) designation.
Kristin Frankel will be formally honored at a special ceremony during the ASCA Annual Conference on July 15, 2025, in Long Beach, California. Her certification underscores her dedication to her personal growth as a counselor and to the success of Ressie Jeffries Elementary students.
Principal Nina Helmick expressed her pride in Frankel’s accomplishment, saying, “Kristin has spent the past six months working tirelessly to meet the rigorous requirements for this certification. This achievement demonstrates her deep understanding of best practices in school counseling and her commitment to following a national model that benefits our school and students. We are incredibly fortunate to have her dedication here at Ressie.”
What is the ASCA Certification?
The ASCA Certified School Counselor (ACSC) designation recognizes school counselors with the highest levels of professional excellence. This achievement signifies that Frankel has the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional student guidance and support, following ASCA’s National Model. The certification process ensures that counselors like Frankel are qualified and continuously improving, which leads to better outcomes for the students they serve.
Earning the ACSC designation benefits school counselors by giving them national recognition, improving their credibility within the educational community, and providing access to valuable resources for further professional development. This certification also proves to school administrators, boards, and the wider community that the counselor is delivering a data-informed and student-centered counseling program. Frankel will carry the ACSC certification for the next five years, maintaining it through continued professional development designed to enhance her skills even further.
How This Impacts Ressie Jeffries Students
Frankel’s certification directly benefits Ressie Jeffries Elementary students. As an ACSC-certified counselor, she is equipped to implement advanced strategies proven to improve student outcomes. Whether supporting students’ academic achievements, guiding their personal and social development, or helping them plan for their futures, Frankel’s role at the school is vital to creating a positive and enriching learning environment.
With this national recognition, Frankel joins a select group of school counselors committed to setting the highest standards for school counseling. This certification affirms that she is an expert in her field and dedicated to offering the best possible support to Ressie Jeffries Elementary’s students, families, and staff.
Looking Ahead
Frankel’s accomplishment is a personal achievement and a milestone for the entire school community. Principal Helmick noted, “Kristin’s certification shows our commitment to ensuring that our school counseling program is of the highest quality. Her dedication ensures that we provide the best possible environment for our students to grow and succeed.”
Kristin Frankel’s certification will be celebrated in July 2025, and the ASCA will recognize her achievement through various platforms, including the ASCA Annual Conference, ASCA School Counselor magazine, and the organization’s website.
Ressie Jeffries Elementary is proud of Kristin Frankel’s accomplishment and the continued success of its school counseling program. We look forward to seeing how her certification will enhance our student’s educational experience in the future.
For more information on the ACSC designation or to learn about school counselors’ work to support student success, visit the American School Counselor Association’s website at www.schoolcounselor.org.
