Saddi Wynia is the school counselor for the Avon School District. This was Saddi’s first job as a school counselor and she has been in this position for Avon for the last three years. Saddi received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from South Dakota State University. She then furthered her educationbyattendingtheUniversityofTennesee Martin to receive her Master’s of Education in School Counseling.

Beforebeginninghercareerasaschoolcounselor, Saddie worked for three years as an associate clinician for Southeastern Behavioral Health in Sioux Falls and three years as a family service worker for the South-Central Child Development inWagner.WhenSaddiebeganhercareerincounseling, she never thought that she would ever be working with children. After working for SCCD, she changed her mind. After getting to work with children and families, she saw what a need there wasformoreservicesinschool.Thisiswhathelped her make the decision to continue her education in the school counseling field.

After graduating from her Master’s program, Saddie did not really have a plan on where she wanted to go. Saddie joined the Avon School District staff after Mr. Culver reached out to her and offered her an opportunity to work for the Avon Schoolandshehasbeenthereeversince,enjoying her time at the school.

Saddi’s mom played an integral part in Saddie becoming a counselor. Growing up, there was always ups and downs and her mom was always there to weather the storms with Saddie. Saddie’s mom was always there for her if she needed to talk, work through something, or needed some tough love. She cannot imagine not having that support growing up and it made her think about the students who may not have that support in their life. This made Saddie want to be able to be a support for students who may be struggling and maynothavesomeonetogoto.Shewantsstudents to know that they have someone they can talk to if they are struggling whether it is with academics or in their personal life. Saddie’s mom is the best person that she knows and has such an amazing heart. Saddie hopes that some of that has rubbed off on her and she can be that person for someone else.

As a school counselor, Saddie’s goals for her students areforthemtofinishouttheschoolyearstrong with their academics, and the other goals that they have been working on throughout the school year. She hopes that the seniors will know what their post high school plans are.

Saddie’s background in mental health is something unique that she brings to her position as the school counselor. She has worked with different areas within the field and has gained experience with an array of different people. She has worked with people from different backgrounds of all different ages who have struggled with mental health issues, addictions and co-occuring issues.

Saddie does not have a favorite part of her work day; she really enjoys her whole day. She enjoys working with students one on one and being in the classroom with them while she is teaching lessons. It is rewarding to Saddie to be able to see students’ progress in different aspects of their life.

When asked what are the most important skills a schoolcounselorshouldpossess,Saddie’sresponse was empathy. She believes it is really important to care about students and the different things that they are going through in all aspects of their life, not just school. It is also important to keep an open mind when talking to students. Each individual child has their own experience and situations that are happening around them; what works for one student may not work for another, so a counselor must have the ability to adapt.

For Saddie, the best part of being a school counselor is seeing the students succeed. She enjoys getting to see student’s build their confidence and empower themselves whether it be in school or their personal life. It is very rewarding to have students stop by her office to chat with her even on their good days.

Every day is different for Sadie. In the fall, she teaches careers to 8th graders and then does a guidance lesson with kindergarteners through sixthgradersthroughouttheweek.Thereareother days that she does study halls. She will visit with students one on one or in groups, and students will stop by her office throughout the day as well if they need to talk to her or just want to say hi. Saddie also does testing with different grade levels during different times of the school year and takes different grades throughout the year to various career and college fairs. The spring is a very busy time for Saddie, because of the state testing for grade levels 3, 8 and 11 and scholarships need to be turned in for the seniors. Another part of her dutiesistobeapartoflunchduty,afterschoolduty, and Saturday detentions. A final aspect of her job, is to work with outside agencies, counselors, and other schools within the county. It is never a dull or boring day for Saddie and she really enjoys it.

Saddie’s parents are Lucky and Sherri Wynia. She has a brother, Kole Wynia, and a wonderful nephew,Cooper. When Saddie is not busy at work she likes to travel, spend time with friends and family, and explore and try new things. Saddie is also a very avid SDSU Jackrabbits fan.

Thank you, Saddie, for all of your hard work and dedication to the students and staff of Avon. It is wonderful staff like you that make the Avon School District a great place for students.