Counselor's Connection

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Be kind to your mind

Hello Doss Families!
Welcome Back for the 2025-2026 School Year

The Role of Doss’ School Counselors

Doss Elementary Counselors assist all students in developing their academic, career, personal, and social abilities through classroom lessons, small groups and individual counseling.

 

Doss Counseling Vision Statement:

Doss Counseling envisions a future where every student graduates with the resilience, confidence, and emotional wellness needed to thrive in college, career, and life. Rooted in Doss Elementary’s commitment to building resilient, kind, and culturally aware learners, and aligned with Austin ISD’s vision of preparing every student for success beyond graduation, we see our students growing into compassionate, capable leaders who contribute positively to their communities and the world.

 

Doss Counseling Mission Statement:

The mission of Doss Counseling is to ensure that every student has equitable access to the academic, social, and emotional support needed to achieve success in school and beyond. Guided by the ASCA National Model, our program focuses on fostering belonging, building self-regulation, and addressing the unique needs of each student through trust-based relational intervention. In alignment with Doss Elementary’s mission to provide inclusive, engaging opportunities for all learners, and Austin ISD’s mission of high expectations and high outcomes for every student, Doss Counseling works to prepare resilient, confident learners who are ready to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally- today and in the future.

 

Doss Counseling Tagline: 

“Belonging first, wellness always, learning for life.”

 

About the Counselors

 

Kara Wilkinson, PK-2nd Grade Counselor

I'm Kara Wilkinson and this is my second year as a Doss Owl! I have worked in early childhood education at Hyde Park Preschool, secondary education at Canyon Vista Middle School in Round Rock ISD, and higher education at Rhode Island School of Design. 

When I’m not at Doss, I love to swim at Barton Springs, go to the library with my kids, play with my goldendoodle, and visit New England, where my husband is from. I'm thrilled to support the amazing students, staff, and parents that make up this special community.

Direct Line: (512) 414-2365 ex: 21601
kara.wilkinson@austinisd.org

 

Natalie Perez, 3-5th Grade Counselor

My name is Natalie Perez, and this is my 7th year as a school counselor at Doss. Prior to my time at Doss, I was a school counselor in Marble Falls and taught 2nd & 3rd grades at Hill Elementary. I grew up in Austin and attended Davis, Murchison, and Anderson.

In my free time I love spending time with my husband and two boys, and having fun on Lake Travis. I am thrilled to be at Doss and working within the Anderson Vertical Team I love so dearly. I look forward to connecting with all Doss Owls again this year and supporting each student to reach their full potential.

Direct line: (512) 414-2365 ex: 51250
natalie.perez@austinisd.org

 

Doss School Counseling services offered:

Classroom Lessons

  • Mrs. Perez and Mrs. Wilkinson meet with all classes bi-monthly. Lesson topics may include: acceptance, careers, conflict resolution, communication, empathy, friendship and kindness, goal setting, decision making, personal safety and self-awareness.

Small Groups

  • Mrs. Perez and Mrs. Wilkinson run small groups to support student needs. Topics vary by grade and year but may include; social skills, self-esteem, friendship, self-regulation, grief and family dynamics.

Individual Counseling

  • Mrs. Perez and Mrs. Wilkinson assist students with individual needs. Topics may include: transitions to middle school, goal setting, classroom support and resources for families.

Outside Referrals

  • We maintain a list of resources that may be helpful in the event of a concern beyond the scope of school counseling services.

School-wide Activities and Events

  • There are many activities and event that round out our comprehensive counseling program and make it award-winning, such as PALS, new student lunch groups, Kindness Week, Career Week, Winter Wishes, middle school transition, and more.