Central Elementary School

Every student
deserves a safe
place to grow.

Hi, I'm Kathleen โ€” your school counselor, advocate, and biggest cheerleader. Whether your child needs support with friendships, emotions, or reaching their goals, I'm here for them โ€” and for you.

Fun Fact Before becoming a school counselor, I was an FRC Coordinator โ€” so I know what it means to build community from the ground up!

Warmth, data, and a whole lot of heart.

I'm Kathleen Burchett, and I am so thrilled to be part of the Central Elementary family for the 2026โ€“2027 school year. I bring 15 years of experience with Johnson County Schools and 4 years as a Social Emotional Learning Specialist โ€” along with an unwavering belief that every single child deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported.

I approach my work with both warmth and intention. I'm data-driven because students deserve outcomes, not just good intentions โ€” and I'm flexible because every child's journey is uniquely their own.

15 Years in Education
4 Years as SEL Specialist
3 Core Focus Areas
โˆž Belief in Every Kid
My Mission

Why I show up every day

To be an advocate for all students โ€” radiant with positivity, warm and welcoming, and always ready to see the good in everyone who walks through my door.

I believe that when students feel emotionally safe, everything else โ€” academics, friendships, ambition โ€” has room to flourish.

What I Do

How I support students & families

My role goes beyond one-on-one conversations. I work alongside teachers, families, and staff to build a school community where every student can thrive.

๐ŸŒฑ

Individual Counseling

One-to-one sessions where students have a confidential, judgment-free space to work through challenges โ€” from friendship troubles to managing big feelings.

Emotional Support Goal Setting Coping Skills
๐Ÿ‘ฅ

Small Group Counseling

Focused small-group sessions around particular social-emotional themes, giving students connection, shared language, and practical skills they can use every day.

Social Skills Conflict Resolution SEL
๐Ÿ“š

Classroom Lessons

I visit classrooms to teach age-appropriate lessons on topics like test anxiety, career exploration, stress, friendships, and the skills that make school โ€” and life โ€” go better.

Test Skills Career Awareness Stress Management
๐ŸŽฏ

Behavior & RTI Support

Collaborating with teachers and specialists on behavioral intervention โ€” identifying patterns, building plans, and ensuring every student has the support structure they need.

RTI Behavior Plans Teacher Collaboration
๐ŸŽ“

College & Career Readiness

Even at the elementary level, we plant the seeds! Career interest surveys, career fairs, goal-setting activities, and classroom lessons that open students' eyes to possibility.

Career Fairs Interest Surveys Goal Setting
๐Ÿ’ฌ

Family Support & Communication

Partnering with parents and guardians is essential. I'm available to consult, share resources, and connect families to the right support โ€” inside and outside of school.

Parent Consultation Resources Community Links
Three Pillars

The School Counselor
Mindset & Behaviors

Everything I do as your school counselor connects back to three research-grounded areas identified by the American School Counselor Association.

College & Career Readiness

Helping every student imagine a future full of possibility โ€” starting now.

  • Assisting with career fairs
  • Career interest surveys
  • Classroom career choice lessons
  • Goal-setting activities

Academic Success

Supporting students in reaching their full academic potential through data and collaboration.

  • Test-taking skills & anxiety lessons
  • Weekly PLC involvement
  • Grade & screener discrepancy review

Social Emotional Development

Building the emotional and social toolkit that carries students through life.

  • Small groups on SEL themes
  • Individual counseling sessions
  • Behavior RTI support

The values I bring every single day

These aren't just aspirations โ€” they're the commitments I make to every student, teacher, and family at Central Elementary.

From the CES Community

Families & teachers share their experience

What it feels like when someone truly shows up for your child.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"My daughter was struggling with anxiety around tests, and after just two sessions with Ms. Burchett she came home with actual strategies โ€” and a smile. She finally felt like someone at school really got her."

Parent of a 3rd Grader Central Elementary
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"Ms. Burchett's classroom lessons are some of the most engaged I've ever seen my students. They actually talk about feelings and goal-setting in a way that sticks. She's a genuine gift to this school."

3rd Grade Teacher Central Elementary
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"From day one she made us feel like partners, not just bystanders. She proactively reached out, shared what she was noticing, and gave us real tools to support our son at home too. That kind of counselor is rare."

Parent of a 5th Grader Central Elementary

I'd love to hear
from you.

Whether you have a concern about your child, a question about my services, or just want to introduce yourself โ€” my door (and inbox) is always open.

School Central Elementary School, Johnson County
Email kburchett@jcschools.org
Office Hours Monday โ€“ Friday, 7:30 AM โ€“ 3:30 PM
Phone Available through the school's main office

Send a message

Your message is private and handled with care. ๐Ÿ’›