Lac La Biche — Beginning this year teacher and counselor Carolina Franke will take over as Aurora Middle school’s assistant principal for the 2021/22 academic year, leaving her previous position for Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) as the manager of Student Advocacy Counsellors and Community Supports.
Franke began her career with NLPS as an educational assistant and then teacher at Kikino School. Later on in her career, she taught at both Dr. Swift Middle School and J.A. Williams High School.
Continuing to advance her own education, Franke completed a Masters of Counselling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Athabasca University in 2018. Franke went on to use her new skills and education in her role as a counsellor and art therapist at J.A. Williams High School before becoming a Mental Health Consultant for the division.
“I am grateful to the counselling and inclusive education teams for the knowledge and wisdom they have imparted on me in the past three years and I know this experience will help me to continue to serve students, families and staff in Northern Lights Public Schools,” said Franke. “I am honoured to join the team at Aurora Middle school and am excited to be part of the school community where I can build relationships with staff, students and families.”
In her most recent role as manager of Student Advocacy Counsellors and Community Supports, Franke worked with the Student Advocacy Counsellors to provide support to students and families in the division’s schools.
She was also a community animator as part of the Canadian Mental Health Association Rural Mental Health Project.
Shining a spotlight on Franke’s contributions to the district, Superintendent Rick Cusson said, “Throughout her time with NLPS, Carolina has demonstrated a passion for improving student mental health and providing engaging learning opportunities for both students and staff.”
