Hello! My name is Julie Gunselman, and I am the school counselor at Indian Lake Elementary. I grew up in Brentwood, Tennessee, and went to school at Christ Presbyterian Academy. During high school I was a cheerleader, and was a founding member of the high school band. I attended college at Lipscomb University, where I earned my B.S. in Pre-Professional Psychology (with a Biology minor). After college, I spent a semester living in Japan and studying Japanese. I received my M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling (School and Community Tracks) from Vanderbilt University in 2007. I also National Certified Counselor designation that year.
A few other things about me: I am a black belt in Wado-Ryu karate, and I love to knit. I have three dogs–Riley (Cairn Terrier), Lacey (Westie), and Katie (Shih-tzu/Chihuahua).
What I Do
Sometimes I feel that it would be easier to explain my job by what I don’t do than by trying to explain what I do. 
Classroom Guidance
The most obvious part of my job is classroom guidance. I see all the classes over a 2 week period. In classroom guidance, I mainly focus on social skills that help the students learn how to interact and get along with others.
Individual Meetings
Another big part of my job is meeting with students individually to discuss whatever issue(s) that s/he is currently dealing with. The number and frequency of meetings is determined by the need of the child. Individual meetings come at the request of the student (by filling out a yellow referral form), teacher, or parent(s).
Small Groups
I will meet with students in groups for the purpose of conflict resolution, or to discuss a common issue. Groups will be chosen based on the needs of the students.
SST Committee Chair
The SST Committee is the group of teachers responsible for overseeing referrals to special education. There is a very set process of data collection that has to be done prior to a special education referral, and all referrals must be a team decision.
