NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – In North Charleston, a dedicated mental health counselor at Allegro Charter School of Music is on a mission to acquire essential tools that can provide comfort and emotional support to her students.
“I have a purpose when I come to school every day, and I want these kids to feel loved and supported every time they come through the door,” asserted Constance Goodnight, the school’s Internal Mental Health Counselor, highlighting her commitment to nurturing a positive environment for her young charges.
However, her counseling efforts extend beyond just the students.
“I do students, families, as well as faculty,” she emphasizes, showcasing her holistic approach to mental health within the school community.
Goodnight manages a demanding schedule yet maintains an open door policy, ensuring that her counseling space is welcoming and thoughtfully designed to facilitate meaningful conversations. Her room is equipped with fidget toys, cozy corners, and conversation blocks, providing a safe haven for those who need it most.
“I wanted to make sure this room felt like home,” she explains. “I wanted to make sure they could come here and relax because when a kid comes in here we talk about very heavy things and very uncomfortable things.”
She notes that small tactical gadgets can significantly aid students in focusing, managing anxiety, and alleviating stress, while also providing emotional benefits.
“When they come in here and sit on the couch or sit in the corner and they grab one of the sensory toys, it helps them regulate their nervous system to the point where they can feel calm and be able to open up more and be more vulnerable,” Goodnight elaborates.
Goodnight faces a challenge, as her position as an internal mental health counselor means she does not receive the same initial financial incentives that other teachers enjoy at the beginning of the academic year. This limitation constrains her ability to procure necessary supplies that would enhance students’ emotional and social well-being.
“We really care about the student, and we care about their families, and really want the best for them,” Goodnight reflects, emphasizing her deep commitment to their welfare.
She is actively seeking specific items such as health management books, calm strips, conversation cards, and various fidget toys, all aimed at helping students better regulate their emotions within the classroom setting.
“The more time that they are moving, it helps decrease the nervous system to the point where they are able to regulate their emotions, and they can be calm,” Goodnight notes, underlining the positive impact of active engagement on mental health.
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**Interview with Constance Goodnight, Internal Mental Health Counselor at Allegro Charter School of Music**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Constance. It’s heartening to see educators like yourself dedicated to mental health. Can you share what inspired you to become a mental health counselor in a school setting?
**Constance Goodnight:** Thank you for having me! My inspiration comes from a deep-rooted belief in the importance of emotional wellbeing for children. I wanted to play a part in creating a supportive environment where students not only feel safe but also understood. Every child deserves to feel loved and valued when they come to school, and I strive to make that a reality.
**Editor:** You mentioned that your approach is holistic, serving students, families, and faculty alike. Can you elaborate on how you incorporate this wider circle of support into your work?
**Constance Goodnight:** Absolutely. Mental health doesn’t just affect students – it’s a community issue. By providing support to families and faculty, I ensure that everyone involved understands the mental health challenges within the school. This collective approach helps create a cohesive support system that reinforces emotional wellbeing for everyone.
**Editor:** Your counseling room sounds uniquely inviting and intentional. Can you tell us a little more about how you designed the space and why it’s so important?
**Constance Goodnight:** I wanted the room to feel like a safe haven, like home for the students. The presence of fidget toys, cozy corners, and conversation blocks was intentional; they help comfort students and ease anxiety. A welcoming environment is crucial because it allows students to feel relaxed enough to discuss heavy and uncomfortable topics – it paves the way for open and honest communication.
**Editor:** You mentioned the impact of sensory tools in helping students manage anxiety. Can you explain how these tools work in practice?
**Constance Goodnight:** Yes, sensory tools are fantastic for helping students regulate their nervous systems. When they enter my room, I encourage them to use the sensory toys. It helps them focus and reduces anxiety, making it easier for them to talk about their feelings. For many kids, simply sitting comfortably with a fidget toy can bring a sense of calm, enabling them to open up more and feel vulnerable.
**Editor:** It sounds like you’re doing vital work, yet you face challenges regarding funding and financial incentives. How has that impacted your ability to provide resources for your students?
**Constance Goodnight:** It’s definitely a challenge. While I am deeply committed to my role, the financial support for internal counselors often doesn’t match that of other teaching positions. It makes it harder to acquire the necessary tools and resources. However, I believe that investing in mental health is just as important as traditional education, and I continue to seek out creative solutions and community support to enhance our offerings.
**Editor:** Thank you, Constance. Your dedication to improving the mental health of your students and the wider community is truly inspiring. We wish you all the best in your mission!
**Constance Goodnight:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share our journey. Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive school environment for everyone.
