Mrs. Stroka’s SASM Schedule: 8:45am-3:45pm every Thursday & Friday; & alternating Mondays
October
Introduction:
Hello & welcome! My name is Mrs. Erin Reilly Stroka (Mrs. Stroka) and I am the SASM School Counselor. As the school counseling position is a half-time (0.5) position, my schedule at SASM is 8:45am-3:45pm every Thursday and Friday; and alternating Mondays. This year my office is located in room 107 in the 2-story building. The best way to reach me is via email at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu . I look forward to serving our amazing SASM students, families, and staff and supporting EVERY Roadrunner to ride toward SUCCESS!
SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S ROLE
The school counselor supports student well-being and academic success, including providing classroom social/emotional (SEL) lessons and coping skills; small-group support and strategy instruction; a calm-down space for reflection; short-term individual support, which students may seek out as needed; support for students facing major life changes; and collaboration with families and teachers. The school counselor also facilitates the school Health & Wellness Team; participates as a member of the School Attendance Team; and provides families with external community resource information, as needed.
PROGRAMMING
Classroom Lessons:
Kelso’s Choice Conflict Resolution Curriculum I will be collaborating again with classroom teachers to deliver seven (7) weekly classroom lessons using the Kelso’s Choice Conflict Resolution Curriculum, equipping students with valuable tools for success. This program is divided into two sections: grades K–3 and grades 4–5, with seven lessons at each level. The same core concepts and philosophy are taught within both sections, with slight differences to reflect the varying developmental levels. I am currently working with Kindergarten and 1st grade classes through October; and will progress to each grade level throughout the year.
The lessons for grades K-3 feature a frog named “Kelso” who walks students through the nine conflict management choices for “small” problems. Students are empowered and taught to go to the nearest trusted adult IMMEDIATELY for “BIG, SERIOUS” problems – especially situations which may involve safety concerns; and when they have tried to resolve a small problem and still need help. * Please encourage your student(s) to practice using Kelso’s Choices to solve small problems or conflicts at home. If you would like more information about the Kelso’s Choice Conflict Resolution Curriculum, please email me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu .
Small-Group Counseling: SASM offers small-group counseling, with separate groups for students in grades K-2 and students in grades 3-5. These groups are short-term in nature, running for a 6-week duration (on average), meeting once/week. Groups are centered around different need areas, which will rotate throughout the year. This year, in addition to offering a Friendship Skills group, we will also be adding small-group counseling focused on School Success (supporting success in attendance & academics); and a group focused on Self-Regulation/Anger Management. Small-group counseling is activity-based and prosocial, skill development, and skill-building.
Please note: School counselors do *not* provide therapy.
Students participating in the groups are referred by their teacher and/or parent/guardian; or as requested by students. Group times are scheduled as centered during one of the three daily recess periods, so as to minimize possible impact on academic instruction. Parent/guardian permission forms are required prior to students participating in groups. If you would like more information or would like your child to participate in small-group counseling, please email Erin.Stroka@aps.edu .
HEALTH & WELLNESS TEAM
The SASM Health & Wellness Team (HWT) reviews students who may need additional support to reduce the barriers to learning. These barriers may relate to issues such as health, medical, emotional, social, behavioral, or other types of needs or concerns. The goal of this team is to create a plan to help students succeed. Interventions are most successful when the school and the family work together. We welcome your participation in working with us. To accommodate parents’/ guardians’ schedules, meetings can be held in person, online via Google Meet, and/or by telephone conference call. If you have any questions or would like to request a Health & Wellness Team Meeting for your student, please email Erin.Stroka@aps.edu .
RESOURCES: MENTAL HEALTH
APS "Reach Out Resources" Mental Health Campaign
APS hosts a web page on each school's website called Mental Health Resources, which lists all available mental health resources at each school site. This page is available at https://sanantonito.aps.edu/our-school/mental-health-resources .
The Grief Center - The Center for Hope & Healing 4125 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque https://griefnm.org/ , 505-323-0478, email: info@griefnm.org . Grief is the natural response to loss. The Grief Center provides support groups, workshops and resources for all who grieve; children, teens and adults. There is never a charge for grief support services.
Grief Center Support Groups meet from September through May & are free & open to children, teens, families & adults grieving the death of a loved one. Call 505-323-0478 or email their program staff at info@griefnm.org .
Free Grief Online Resources, Brochures & Library: http://griefnm.org/services/
FREE Events: October 2026
-
Telling Your Story: The Healing Power of Sharing Loss (webinar) – Thursday 10/15 @ 5:00pm-6:00pm
- Free online webinars are among a series of trainings designed to increase understanding of the grieving process, develop skills to support grieving individuals and colleagues, improve communication, foster resilience, and help people find new meaning after a death. These webinars provide knowledge about how to offer emotional and practical support, navigate awkward conversations, and care.
- Dia de los Muertos Workshop – Thursday 10/29 @ 5:30pm-7:30pm - In-person event at The Center for Hope & Healing, 4125 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque. To register, please contact (505) 323-0478.
- This is a free event. The Grief Center’s Dia de los Muertos workshop for children and adults is focused on altar-building. Participants will create papel picado banners, tissue paper marigold flowers, paint calveras, and decorate vases to hold marigolds. Families are also invited to bring ofrenda (altar) items (i.e. photos, keepsakes, etc.) to add to our community ofrenda.
- The famous Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a celebration and honoring of departed loved ones. The special part of the holiday is the ofrenda, or altar. The ofrenda is a way to honor and show gratitude to one’s ancestors and deceased family members. It is a way to keep a strong connection with them and your family’s past. If you have questions or to register, please contact (505) 323-0478.
FREE HELPLINES: Call/Chat/Text
- Agora Crisis Center 505-277-3013, http://www.agoracares.org/
- NM Crisis and Access Line 855-662-7474, Available 24/7, https://nmcrisisline.com/
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, Available 24/7, https://988lifeline.org/
If you may be interested in additional community mental health resources, please let me know - I am happy to share.
RESOURCES: CLOTHING & COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
LOCKER 505 & APS CLOTHING BANK COAT DISTRIBUTION - APS Locker 505 assists with counselor referrals for students in need of clothing, underwear, socks, shoes, and coats - especially as the weather is starting to turn cooler. If your student is in need of resources, please contact me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu. I am happy to assist.
SASM FOOD DISTRIBUTION – We coordinate with local food pantries to be able to send home a bag of groceries each week. Children in need can receive bagged food to have for the weekends while they are away from school beginning August 27th. If your student/family is in need of food, please contact me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu . We are happy to assist.
United Way 211 - https://uwncnm.org/211a-2/ - phone directly at (505) 245-1735:
211 IS A CRITICAL SERVICE THAT CONNECTS THE COMMUNITY TO VITAL RESOURCES. Whether someone needs access to help for basic needs, mental health, senior services or family crises, 211 is there to help. The hotline provides connections to local services and resources for free.
SHARE NM – New Mexico Resource Directory: https://sharenm.org/nm-resources - SHARE New Mexico hosts New Mexico's largest, most up-to-date and comprehensive Resource Directory for community resources and social services. From child care to senior services, education to housing and beyond.
September 2026
Mrs. Stroka’s SASM Schedule: 8:30am-3:30pm every Thursday & Friday; & alternating Mondays
September 2026
INTRODUCTION
Hello & welcome! My name is Mrs. Erin Reilly Stroka (Mrs. Stroka) and I am the SASM School Counselor. I am delighted to return to SASM for this 2026/2027 school year! As the school counseling position is a half-time (0.5) position, my schedule at SASM is 8:30am-3:30pm every Thursday and Friday; and alternating Mondays. This year my office is located in room 107 in the 2-story building. The best way to reach me is via email at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu . I look forward to serving our amazing SASM students, families, and staff and supporting EVERY Roadrunner to ride toward SUCCESS!
SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S ROLE
The school counselor supports student well-being and academic success, including providing classroom social/emotional (SEL) lessons and coping skills; small-group support and strategy instruction; calm-down space for reflection; short-term individual support, which students may seek out as needed; support for students facing major life changes; and collaboration with families and teachers. The school counselor also facilitates the school Health & Wellness Team; participates as a member of the School Attendance Team; and provides families with external community resource information, as needed.
You are invited to please click here on Counselor Introduction to view additional introductory information about me and my role as SASM School Counselor.
PROGRAMMING
Classroom Lessons:
Counselor Introduction Visits On our first day of school I briefly visited each classroom to welcome students, introduce myself as the SASM School Counselor, and explain my role as a “helping person” with a caring heart who is here to support students’ success. I will also be visiting all classes within the next couple of weeks to talk about feelings (referencing Disney Pixar movies Inside Out and Inside Out 2) and identifying trusted adults students can go to for help, when needed.
Kelso’s Choice Conflict Resolution Curriculum I will be collaborating again with classroom teachers to deliver seven (7) weekly classroom lessons using the Kelso’s Choice Conflict Resolution Curriculum, equipping students with valuable tools for success. This program is divided into two sections: grades K–3 and grades 4–5, with seven lessons at each level. The same core concepts and philosophy are taught within both sections, with slight differences to reflect the varying developmental levels. We will begin soon with KN and 1st grade classes and progress to all grade levels throughout the year.
The lessons for grades K-3 feature a frog named “Kelso” who walks students through the nine conflict management choices for “small” problems; and encourages them to ALWAYS go to a trusted adult immediately if they come across a “BIG” problem. Students are empowered and taught to go to the nearest trusted adult immediately for “BIG, SERIOUS” problems; and when they have tried to resolve a small problem and still need help. If you would like more information about the Kelso’s Choice Conflict Resolution Curriculum, please email me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu .
Small-Group Counseling: SASM offers small-group counseling. One type of group offered is Friendship Builders groups - one for students in grades 3-5; and one for students in grades K-2. The purpose of these groups is to help students build skills in developing or strengthening friendship skills. These are activity-based, prosocial skill-building groups.
Please note: School counselors do *not* provide therapy. Students participating in the groups are referred by their teacher and/or parent/guardian; or as requested by students.
These groups are short-term in nature and held once weekly for 6 weeks. Group times are scheduled as centered during one of the three daily recess periods, so as to not impact academic instruction. Parent/guardian permission forms are required prior to students participating in groups. Groups are tentatively planned to begin the last week of August or the first week of September. If you would like more information or would like your child to participate in a Friendship Skills group, please email Erin.Stroka@aps.edu .
HEALTH & WELLNESS TEAM
The SASM Health & Wellness Team (HWT) reviews students who may need additional support to reduce the barriers to learning. These barriers may relate to issues such as health, medical, emotional, social, behavioral, or other types of needs or concerns. The goal of this team is to create a plan to help students succeed. Interventions are most successful when the school and the family work together. We welcome your participation in working with us. To accommodate parents’/ guardians’ schedules, meetings can be held in person, online via Google Meet, and/or by telephone conference call. Last 2025/2026 school year (October 2025 through May 2026) a total of 19 referrals were received, with a total of 20 HWT meetings being held. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to request a Health & Wellness Team Meeting for your student, please contact me via email at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu .
RESOURCES: MENTAL HEALTH
APS "Reach Out Resources" Mental Health Campaign
APS hosts a web page on each school's website called Mental Health Resources, which lists all available mental health resources at each school site. This page is available at https://sanantonito.aps.edu/our-school/mental-health-resources .
The Grief Center - The Center for Hope & Healing 4125 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque https://griefnm.org/ , 505-323-0478, email: info@griefnm.org . Grief is the natural response to loss. The Grief Center provides support groups, workshops and resources for all who grieve; children, teens and adults. There is never a charge for grief support services.
Grief Center Support Groups meet from September through May & are free & open to children, teens, families & adults grieving the death of a loved one. Call 505-323-0478 or email their program staff at info@griefnm.org .
Free Grief Online Resources, Brochures & Library: http://griefnm.org/services/
FREE Event: September 2026
Understanding Grief: What Is Normal & What to Expect (webinar) – Tuesday, September 15 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
This free webinar is among a series of trainings designed to increase understanding of the grieving process, develop skills to support grieving individuals and colleagues, improve communication, foster resilience, and help people find new
meaning after a death. These webinars provide knowledge about how to offer emotional and practical support, navigate awkward conversations, and care.
FREE HELPLINES: Call/Chat/Text
- Agora Crisis Center 505-277-3013, http://www.agoracares.org/
- NM Crisis and Access Line 855-662-7474, Available 24/7, https://nmcrisisline.com/
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, Available 24/7, https://988lifeline.org/
If you may be interested in additional community mental health resources, please let me know - I am happy to share.
RESOURCES: CLOTHING & COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
LOCKER 505 & APS CLOTHING BANK COAT DISTRIBUTION - APS Locker 505 assists with counselor referrals for students in need of clothing, underwear, socks, shoes, and coats. If your student is in need of resources, please contact me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu. I am happy to assist.
SASM FOOD DISTRIBUTION – We coordinate with local food pantries to be able to send home a bag of groceries each week. Children in need can receive bagged food to have for the weekends while they are away from school beginning August 27th. If you student/family is in need of food, please contact me at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu . We are happy to assist.
United Way 211 - https://uwncnm.org/211a-2/ - phone directly at (505) 245-1735:
211 IS A CRITICAL SERVICE THAT CONNECTS THE COMMUNITY TO VITAL RESOURCES. Whether someone needs access to help for basic needs, mental health, senior services or family crises, 211 is there to help. The hotline provides connections to local services and resources for free.
SHARE NM – New Mexico Resource Directory: https://sharenm.org/nm-resources - SHARE New Mexico hosts New Mexico's largest, most up-to-date and comprehensive Resource Directory for community resources and social services. From child care to senior services, education to housing and beyond.
Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me via email at Erin.Stroka@aps.edu (*email is the best way to reach me); or by office phone at 505-281-3931 ext. 25625