Counseling Services

The goal of Counseling Services at Cary Academy is to support the school’s mission to educate the whole child by focusing on the social and emotional development of students. In particular, school counselors are available to assist students for whom social and emotional issues are affecting the learning process or general development. Counseling is provided individually or in groups. School counselors are also available as a resource for parents, providing guidance on issues related to adolescent development, parenting, and the student’s school experience. When students or families require support that extends beyond the means of Cary Academy staff, or when parents request it, the school counselors provide parents with referral information regarding professional services in the community. 

Students and parents are encouraged to contact their school counselor at any time. Telephone numbers and email addresses are listed below for your convenience. 

MEET THE MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Marcia Rogat, MA

919 228-4537

marcia_rogat@caryacademy.org

Marcia joined us at Cary Academy in 1998, relocating here from Colorado.  Her history includes development of health curriculum with CDC, training of teachers and counselors through colleges and universities, and selection as Colorado's School Counselor of the Year.   Working as a teacher and educational consultant throughout the United States as well as Australia and the Virgin Islands, she brings a rich and varied background in training advisors, mentoring teachers, and establishing a healthy and safe school climate.   She has also taught numerous parenting and step-parenting groups, trained as a psychological first responder for disaster relief, and is the author of Kid-to-Kid, a popular resource manual for middle school advisors throughout the country.  

"I thoroughly enjoy my work with the Cary Academy community.  It is a privilege to work with families who value the social and emotional health of their children,  to work with vibrant and creative young teens who are just beginning to discover their own individuality, and to be surrounded by faculty and staff who have a common desire to see our students happy, healthy, and confident," says Marcia. 

In her role as Middle School counselor, Marcia welcomes contact from parents, students, and colleagues.  She enjoys meeting with individuals as well as working with students in classrooms and groups.  Her goal is to help students and families establish healthy relationships, create more joy in their lives, and step into the world with greater awareness and strength. 

MEET THE UPPER SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Ellen Gooding, MA, LPC

919 228-4565

ellen_gooding@caryacademy.org

Ellen has been a counselor for over thirty years, first in clinical settings such as substance abuse treatment programs, community mental health and private practice. In 1996 she moved into school counseling and has worked at all grade levels in both public and independent schools. She has been at Cary Academy since 2000. Ellen also maintains a private counseling and consulting practice and has provided training to school systems, businesses and government agencies on topics such as Stress Management, Building Self Esteem, Time Management, Counseling Skills, Effective Parenting and Adolescent Development.

In her role as Upper School Counselor, Ellen is available to students, families and colleagues to assist in personal and social problem solving. She maintains professional contacts within the mental health community in order to provide appropriate referrals to students and families who seek more long term counseling or specialized services. She is also responsible for overseeing the Advisory Program, teaching the Emotional Health class to 10th graders, and developing other affective education programs for all grade levels.