Counseling Department

AUS Counselors strive to provide a comprehensive counseling program that addresses the personal/social, academic, career, and global development of all students affording them an opportunity to become lifelong learners and productive global citizens of the world. 

Our school counselors are an integral part of the school community. They provide guidance to students and support families. They are key members of a multidisciplinary team that helps build student achievement through strategic development and implementation of evidence-based interventions. They work closely with their division administration and teachers to create and maintain a positive school culture and climate through various programs and initiatives. They offer classroom guidance in the elementary grades, advisory in middle school, and college prep in high school. Counselors also offer short-term group and individual counseling for students that require a more specialized approach. Students in middle school and high school take part in career exploration and college preparatory guidance and activities as part of the school counseling program.

COUNSELOR/PSYCHOLOGIST    

Joanna Saintil
School Counselor (PreK-5)
j.saintil@aus.edu.kw

April Hartle
School Counselor (PreK - 5) 
a.hartle@aus.edu.kw

Wendy Alfalah
School Psychologist (PK-G12)
w.alfalah@aus.edu.kw
 

Counseling Services

• Individual and small group counseling 
• Classroom guidance lessons to develop self-awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making 

• Community referrals to outside agencies as appropriate 
   

Distinctive Programs

Student of the Month - Recognition for students who have shown exemplary academic performance, and/or social behavior. 

R.O.C.K. (Respectful, Organized, Cooperative, Kind) - We encourage all students to get caught R.O.C.K.ing! We teach, model and celebrate students who display the behaviors we value most. 

Transition Buddies - Designed to assist new enrolled students adjust to their new school with the support of an existing student.

AUS Rise - Designed to assist 5th grade students as they prepare their transition to middle school.

Pamela Allen
School Counselor
p.allen@aus.edu.kw

Counseling Services

• Provide individual & small group counseling.

• Refer students and families to community agencies in need of intensive services.

• Promote academic achievement and support student learning.

• Schedule students in the appropriate courses.

Distinctive Programs

Student Advisory - Regular meetings that build student self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through structured lessons and interactive activities.  

R.O.C.K. - (Respectful, Organized, Cooperative, Kind) - We encourage all students to get caught R.O.C.K.ing! We teach, model and celebrate students who display the behaviors we value most. 

AUS Rise - Assists 5th grade students as they prepare their transition to middle school.

Student Ambassadors - Designed to assist new students adjust to a change in schools with the support of an existing student.

Dareen Tawil
College/Career Counselor (G11-G12)
d.tawil@aus.edu.kw

Mounir Corban
School Counselor (G9-G10)
m.corban@aus.edu.kw

High School is an exciting stepping stone that leads youth to future education and career paths. High School Counselors will work closely with each student to assist and support them to navigate their educational journey.  Academic planning, course scheduling, and college preparation are all part of our core values. 
 

Counseling Services:

• Facilitate student exploration of their interests, abilities, and skills. 

• Advise and support students in goal setting based on their academic needs and career aspirations.

• Provide responsive services through individual or small group counseling. 

• Refer students and families to community agencies in need of intensive services.

• Collaborate with other educators, parents, and the community to support student achievement.  

• Educate students on the AUS graduation requirements.

• Schedule students in appropriate classes as it relates to their postsecondary education plans.  

• Coordinate on-campus college fairs, visits, and inform students of upcoming university fairs in the local community.
   

Distinctive Programs

Service Learning - Service, community, empathy, and a global perspective are so important that they are intertwined in the fabric of daily life. Service learning is not merely a graduation requirement to be checked off. It is part of who we are as a school. Being a global citizen means students play an active role in their community to make our world a better place. AUS students will find service learning eye-opening, energizing, powerful, and life-changing.  Counselors are available to answer questions regarding service learning and provide students with service learning options and opportunities in our community.    

American United School is committed to ensuring that the safety and security of our students are our top priority. AUS follows and adheres to child protection mandates and guidelines as stipulated by the Kuwait National Child Protection (KNCRP) Program, which passed into Kuwait law March 2015. It is our responsibility to make certain that all stakeholders are aware and compliant with the guidelines as it applies to schools and Educators. The policy objectives seek to outline strategies ensuring that:

• All employees, board members, owners, school leaders, staff, students, parents, and volunteers understand and are held accountable for the highest ethical standards in their conduct; 

• Mandated reporters in particular, must adhere to legal mandates and the moral imperative to recognize, report, and prevent suspected child abuse and neglect;

• Children who are alleged victims of abuse and/or neglect are supported;

• Human resource management systems and processes for screening new and existing employees are developed;

• Professional learning for AUS’ employees is developed and implemented; and

• Opportunities are being developed for parents, volunteers, and the broader community to develop awareness on recognizing, reporting, and preventing abuse and neglect of children.
   

Child abuse, as defined by the Kuwait National Child Protection Program, “constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, actual, potential and suspected abuse, neglect, or negligent treatment, commercial or other exploitation, or serious deprivation resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development, or dignity in the context of relationships or responsibility, trust or power.” It refers to any person of 18 years of age or younger. 

Kuwait law specifies that all educators are mandated reporters, which means they are legally obliged to report suspected child abuse. If a mandated reporter has reasonable suspicion or knowledge that child abuse is/has occurred, school policy requires the employee to make an immediate report to the school Child Protection Officer.

Child Protection Policy and Procedures