Students carry more than just backpacks to school. Some carry unspoken fears, self-doubt or feelings they can’t quite name, silently vetting if anyone is a safe space.
Thankfully, many
East Middle School students have found that special someone in
Carly Arett, a school counselor whose work feels less like a profession and more like a calling.
“The events of 2020 served as a turning point in my career,” Carly shared. “As a teacher, I saw the heavy toll taken on my community's mental health, which resonated deeply with my own personal journey. I felt a calling to move beyond the classroom and become the ‘safe person’ I once needed.”
That calling shows up quietly, but consistently, anchored in Carly’s belief that everything begins with trust.
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is building that initial foundation of trust,” Carly said. “Once a student feels comfortable, I love seeing them apply the tools we’ve discussed to improve their mental health. Ultimately, my mission is to move students from a place of struggle to a place of empowerment and lasting emotional wellness.”
Carly builds that trust with intention and reinforces it at the systems level. According to East Middle School Counselor
Fumnanya Camara, Carly has shown “tremendous growth as a systems-level leader,” guiding staff to “intentionally identify, track and strengthen student connections.”
Carly also played a key role in reshaping the school’s bell schedule to create dedicated time for Social Emotional Learning, advancing sustainable, schoolwide change.
Even as she leads, Carly remains deeply present. “She is always smiling and always willing to sign up for things that increase student engagement and outcomes,” Fumnanya said. “Her reliability, warmth and willingness to support both students and colleagues have made her a trusted and inclusive leader within the school community.”
At the heart of Carly’s work is a powerful message of self-compassion.
“My goal is to move [students] away from beating themselves up and toward a mindset of self-love, providing them with the internal dialogue necessary to bounce back from setbacks with confidence,” Carly said. “I often remind my students that self-compassion is a skill, not just a feeling. In a world where young people are often their own harshest critics, I work to normalize ‘giving oneself grace.’”
During
National School Counseling Week, we honor Carly Arett and all APS school counselors who work tirelessly to break any barriers that stand between students and support.