Counseling

Mission:

​​Through a personalized, balanced, and collaborative approach, the secondary counseling departments of Lewis-Palmer School District will provide opportunities for students to discover, realize, pursue and celebrate their potential. 

The counselors are available for the following:

  • Schedule Changes

  • Course Selection and Class Placement

  • Organization and Study Skills

  • Problem Solving

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Concerns about friends

  • Home and Family

  • Share Accomplishments

  • Connect to Resources

  • Questions about High School

Vision:

Students will confidently navigate complex systems in an ever-changing world by exemplifying the postures of a D38 Graduate.

Values:

Goals:

  • Social/Emotional - Students will feel comfortable and confident in their environment and develop tools to help express their needs. 

  • Academic - Students will develop tools in order to put their best foot forward and always strive to improve. 

  • College/Career - Students will explore job and career options through discussions, activities, and lessons with peers and adults and meetings with the College/Career Counselor. 

Kayla Simek

Mrs. Kayla Simek

2024-2025 7th Grade Level Counselor

Hello LPMS!

My name is Kayla Simek. I have a Masters in School Counseling from Adams State University and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Valparaiso University. I grew up here in Monument and went to KES, Creekside Middle School, and then LPHS. I'm excited to partner with students as they navigate the complexities of middle school, and help offer tools to build confidence, resilience, and self-advocacy skills. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family and spending time outside.

Phone: (719) 757-1470
Email Kayla Simek

Degrees and Certifications:
MA in School Counseling from Adams State University
BA in Social Work from Valparaiso University
Licensed Special Services Provider in Colorado

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Mrs. Leslie Garza

2024-2025 8th Grade Level Counselor

My name is Leslie Garza.  I have a Masters in School Counseling from Capella University and my Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.  I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I grew up in Monument and I am so excited to come back to my roots and be working at LPMS.  I love the middle school years and look forward to working with them.  Middle school is such an amazing time for young individuals and I am excited to be a part of their life journey.  In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and pets and enjoy camping and hiking.  Please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Phone: (719) 757-1588
Email Leslie Garza

Degrees and Certifications:
MA in School Counseling from Capella University
BA in Psychology from University of Phoenix
Licensed Special Services Provider in Colorado

Emily Hluska

Mrs. Kim McCrory

Postsecondary Counselor & MTSS Coordinator

Hello LPMS!

My name is Kim McCrory. I have a master’s degree in School Counseling from Adams State University and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia. While my roots are in Ohio, I grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Monument in 2016. I'm excited for the opportunity to help middle school students discover their talents and connect their interests to high school pathways and potential career fields. In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family, walking our rescue dog Butterscotch, exploring local hiking trails, and watching movies. I look forward to getting to know LPMS students each year and am grateful to join them on their journey of discovering who they are and what they have to offer the world!

Phone: 719-867-8063
Email Kim McCrory

Degrees and Certifications:
Degrees and Certifications:
MA in School Counseling from Adams State University
BA in Environmental Science from University of Virginia
Licensed Special Services Provider in Colorado