Counseling and Guidance

PILOT KNOB COUNSELOR
Ms. Liberty Leining
651.403.7960 | liberty.leining@isd197.org

Hello, my name is Libby Leining. I’m excited to be working with the students and families at Pilot Knob! I started my career as a School Counselor in 2003, having worked both in North Dakota and Minnesota. I have a B.S. in Psychology, from the University of South Dakota, and M.Ed. in School Counseling, from North Dakota State University.

During the school year, I will visit each classroom to deliver lessons on topics including feelings, friendship, empathy, problem solving, conflict resolution, and more. I will also provide small group and individual services for student as needed throughout the year, as well. 

Out of school, I enjoy boating, being outdoors, reading, and spending time with my husband and two sons; and of course, attending their various activities!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions and/or concerns you may have.


DISTRICT 197 COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE
Each of School District 197’s eight schools has a counselor on staff to promote a proactive approach to positive and safe school environments. 

Elementary school counselors:
  • Provide needs assessments to monitor the needs of their school's student population and make program adjustments to support those needs.
  • Teach classroom guidance lessons to directly support goals related to school climate, testing/achievement, and the acceleration of excellence.
  • Offer individual counseling to support achievement and excellence goals by addressing barriers to learning.
  • Facilitate support groups to foster cultural assimilation.
  • Coordinate activities to ease the transition to Middle School.
  • Provide consultation and advocacy to make sure each student finds something in school that delights, inspires, excites, and motivates them to pursue excellence.
  • Advise student groups such as the Kindness Patrol, Peer Helpers, Kids’ Council and other extracurricular groups promote kindness and enhance the school experience.
  • Recruit volunteers to support the school community.
  • Conduct accountability and climate surveys within each building.
  • Analyze student discipline and conflict management issues and counselor success.
Learn more about the district’s Counseling and Guidance services.