School Counseling

Program Overview

Through expert guidance, strategic planning and tailored solutions, we collaborate with school counselors to enhance their effectiveness, streamline processes and address unique challenges. We offer insights into data-driven practices, best counseling approaches and compliance with state and national standards, helping districts/schools build a comprehensive counseling framework that fosters student well-being, growth and readiness for life beyond school.

Our school counseling supports empower districts/schools to elevate their counseling programs, ensuring every student is supported in their academic, personal and postsecondary pursuits.

Examples of Support

We customize our work with school counselors and administrators including, but not limited to:

  • Program audits
  • K-12 system planning
  • Curriculum review
  • Data analysis
  • Data-driven plans
  • PLC coaching
  • Individual coaching & consulting
  • Professional learning
  • Crisis plans
  • Counselor/administrator relationships
  • School counselor evaluation supports
  • Ethical decision-making processes
  • School counseling leadership
  • Time & task analysis
  • Universal tier support
  • Tier 2 & 3 support

Download the Flyer

Heartland AEA School Counseling Supports

For additional information, visit:

Iowa School Counseling Framework

Iowa Department of Education

Important Contacts

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Crista Carlile

Crista Carlile

  • Director of Service for a Fee

Public Districts: Des Moines

Charter Schools: Des Moines Prep Academy, Great Oaks Charter School, Horizon Science Academy, Xceed Oakmoor Academy

Accredited Non-Public Schools: Apiary Leadership Academy, Bergman Academy, Christ the King, Des Moines Adventist, Des Moines Diocese, Dowling High School, Empigo Academy, Joshua Christian Academy, JW Reed Christian Academy, Mt. Olive Lutheran School, One School Global, Two Rivers Classical Academy (Grades 6-12)

Education: Bachelor’s degree, biology; Master’s degree, secondary education; Ed.D., educational leadership

Experience: High school science teacher, Science curriculum coordinator, High school administrator, Director of teaching & learning; Regional director Joined Heartland AEA in 2022

Expertise: Systems improvement; quality/continuous improvement; leadership development; strategic planning and implementation; leadership coaching

How I’ve made an impact: I have worked closely with a district to implement a school improvement process that aligns evidence-based practices in improvement science with federal and state requirements for ESSA and Title I.

School Counseling