Personal/Professional Summary
Hello and welcome to my online portfolio. My name is Sacha Appel and I am currently a student at Loyola University Chicago working towards my M.Ed. in School and Community Counseling. I am also an a school counseling intern at Drummond Montessori Magnet School in Bucktown, Chicago. I previously taught elementary grades at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy and Bernard Zelle Anshe Emet Day School in Lakeview, Chicago. In 2021, I received my B.S. in Early Childhood Education from DePaul University and my Professional Educator License (PEL) with endorsements in Early Childhood Education (birth-age 8) and ESL (pre-k-2nd grade) with an approval in special education (years 3-5). At DePaul, I was named on the Dean’s List every quarter and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Although I have always had a love for being around children, it wasn’t until my little brother was born when I was 16 years old that I considered a career working with children. Since then, I have had the privilege to help students of all ages. As a teacher, I realized I loved working specifically with students that have social-emotional, academic, and developmental needs. This led me to pursuing my master’s degree in counseling.
Although I am a Chicagoland native, in my personal life, I still enjoy exploring Chicago with family in friends. I also enjoy film photography and hanging out with my orange tabby cat, Poppy
As you navigate this portfolio, I hope that you grasp my passion for helping children grow in all areas of development. Thank you for taking the time look at my portfolio. If you would like to contact me, you will see my information at the bottom of each page.
Sincerely,
My Education & Counseling Philosophy
In every space I work in, I strive to create a calming and comforting environment; a healthy space of learning and growth for every child, a place where they can achieve their full potential. I achieve this by creating an accessible space with a variety of tools, such as books, flexible seating options, and fidget tools. My space is for all students to feel welcome.
I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to grow, regardless of their background. Children come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, families, etc. As a counselor, I recognize that every child, with their unique perspective, has a great deal to offer. This means that a child’s identity will be an immense presence in all they do. I will also continue to ensure that all the materials and resources I provide are accessible to every family and member of the community.
Every student in my school and office has the ability to succeed. Through extensive data analysis and differentiation, I create interventions that guarantee a child’s success. This means that any child, whether they are gifted or need that additional support, will have the tools to grow. Through intentional programming, informed by data, I also create comprehensive counseling programs with many facets, where every child will be respected and have many opportunities to explore their emotions. I also communicate with multiple leadership teams, teachers, parents, and the community to identify programming needs.
Over my past years as an educator, every student that has crossed my path has affected and influenced me to this current philosophy. I also promise to apply this philosophy to the future children who come my way and to continue growing as a compassionate educator and counselor.