Student Well-Being

At Sartell-St. Stephen Schools, school counselors play a vital role in supporting the academic, personal/social, and career development of all students. As integral members of the educational team, school counselors help ensure every student is prepared for success in school and beyond.

School counselors collaborate with students, families, teachers, and staff to create a positive, supportive learning environment. Through leadership, advocacy, and coordination, they promote student well-being and achievement by implementing a comprehensive, developmental counseling program.

Our counselors are professionally trained educators with a background in both counseling and student development. They work with all students—not just those in crisis—by delivering core curriculum, supporting individual student planning, and providing responsive services. Counselors also serve as a bridge between home and school, partnering with families and staff to address student needs and help each learner grow academically and personally.

In secondary schools, counselors take on a central role in guiding students through course planning, college and career readiness, and social-emotional support. They are often the key point of contact for families and teachers when coordinating support and ensuring student success across settings.

Riverview Intermediate School

Luke Rude, School Counselor - 320-656-3701 x 2104

Sartell Middle School

Student last names:

• A-K: Shannon Zinken, School Counselor - 320-656-3701 x 3206
• L-Z: Madeline Schug, School Counselor - 320-656-3701 x 3205

Sartell High School

Student last names:

• A-F: Justine Kirkham, School Counselor 320-656-3714
• G-K: Kate Turner, School Counselor - 320-257-3900
• L-Q: Dawn Forsberg, School Counselor - 320-656-3709

• R-Z: Noel Meyer, School Counselor - 320-656-3785

School social workers in Sartell-St. Stephen Schools play a vital role in supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. As a key link between school, home, and community, they help ensure that all students have the support they need to reach their full potential.

Working as part of each building’s Student Support Team, school social workers collaborate closely with administrators, teachers, students, and families. They provide leadership in areas such as student well-being, crisis response, and access to support services. Through this work, they help create a safe, supportive school climate where students feel connected and ready to learn.

School social workers also serve as advocates for students, helping to connect families with community resources and support systems. They play a key role in identifying student needs and coordinating interventions, whether through direct support—such as individual or small group work—or through systems-level work that benefits the entire school community.

For students receiving special education services, school social workers are important partners in the evaluation process and in developing and delivering evidence-based interventions. Their training allows them to provide both direct and indirect services that address social-emotional needs, helping every student engage fully in their learning experience.

Oak Ridge Early Learning Center (ORELC)

Carrie Gapinski, LICSW
School Social Worker
320-656-3701 x5105

Pine Meadow Primary School (PMPS)

Heather Hofer
School Social Worker
320-656-3701 x4894

Stacy Boom
School Social Worker
District Homeless Liaison
320-656-3701 x4892

Riverview Intermediate School (RIS)

Connie Connor
School Social Worker
320-656-3701 x2105

Section 504: Supporting Every Student’s Success

Section 504 is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to fully participate in school. If a disability impacts a major life activity—like learning, walking, seeing, hearing, or concentrating—students may be eligible for accommodations that help them succeed in school.

If your child has a disability and needs accommodations to support their learning, we’re here to help. We’ll work closely with you to create a plan that fits your child’s unique needs, so they can have the best possible experience in school.

Contact Information

Each school has a dedicated person to help with Section 504 accommodations. If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to them, or you can also speak with your child’s teacher or guidance counselor for assistance. Please contact Superintendent Dr. Michael Rivard.