Stratford Academy’s Counseling Department provides support services to students who may be experiencing any impediments to the process of learning. Interventions include but are not limited to short term counseling and guidance, crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate community resources. Provided also are opportunities and support for strengthening social and emotional development in the context of identifying and reinforcing individual student strengths. Through the implementation of age appropriate programs and educational opportunities we work diligently to promote and foster a climate that is inclusive and thorough.
Counselor’s Responsibilities
Program Management and System Support
Individual and Group Guidance
Counseling Services
Student, parent and faculty consultation
Coordination of Interventions, Conferences and Referrals
Student Assessment, Standardized Testing, Classroom Observations
Compliance with Professional Standards and Best Practices as Developed by the American School Counselor’s Association
Meet Our Counselors:
Gena Chalfa - Lower and Middle School Guidance Counselor
Gena Chalfa is our new Lower and Middle School Guidance Counselor. Gena graduated from Stratford in 2001 and received her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Advertising from the University of Georgia in 2006. After working as an Office Manager for a Raymond James Financial Services branch in Atlanta for several years, she decided to change careers to pursue her love of working with children. She received her Masters of Science in School Counseling from Mercer University in 2017. Prior to moving back to Macon, she spent three years in the Cobb County School District where she worked with students ages K-12. She is also a National Certified Counselor and will complete her Education Specialist degree in School Counselor Education in May of 2020.
This year the Counseling Department created and implemented a school wide Character Education Program, a program that promotes moral development in our students so they can develop habits of civility and kindness towards others inside and outside of the classroom. Mrs. Chalfa goes into the lower and middle school classrooms each month and teaches guidance lessons on the character trait of the month. In addition, she works closely with teachers and administration to help our students academically, socially, and emotionally. Mrs. Chalfa is available to meet with students individually by student or parent request. To make an appointment, please contact Gena.Chalfa@Stratford.org or by phone, 478-477-8073, ext. 214.
Alex Minor - Upper School Guidance Counselor
Alex Minor is the Upper School Guidance Counselor at Stratford Academy. Alex graduated from Stratford Academy in 2011 and earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama in 2015. She then received her Masters of Education in School Counseling from the University of West Georgia in 2018. Alex worked in Bibb County as a school counselor prior to working at Stratford.
Alex is the club sponsor for SALSA and ADL, which includes our anti-bullying program, No Place for Hate. She also sponsors Girl Talk, a club in which high school students serve as leaders to middle and lower school girls and discuss important topics that they face while growing up. She leads along side Lower and Middle School Guidance Counselor, Gena Chalfa, in implementing the Character Education Program. She works with students individually as well as in groups. Mrs. Minor is available to meet with students and/or parents by request. To make an appointment, please email Mrs. Minor at alex.minor@stratford.org or by phone at (478)477-8073 ext. 283.
Parent Resources Concerning COVID-19:
How to Talk to Your Child About COVID-19 - National Association for School Psychologists:
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute
Accommodations Guidelines - Grades 7-12
List of Counseling Resources