Mrs. Lashanda McColister

WELCOME to WHS and to the 9th grade!  I am grateful for and excited about the opportunity to be your new Freshman Counselor for the 2023-2024 school year!

I am an Air Force veteran, wife of a retired U.S. Army soldier, former business owner, former ELA teacher, and certified school counselor in two states (Arizona and Missouri).  From my years of teaching experience at Forest Glen Middle School, Ramblewood Middle School (both located in Coral Springs, FL), and Waynesville Middle for 3 years, I have developed essential skills required not only to teach ELA but in counseling, like building a rapport, using effective communication, having empathy, and advocating.  School counselors facilitate students’ academic, career, and personal/social growth and development in ways that respectfully foster the interest and welfare of students and promote formation of healthy relationships.

Transitioning can be a challenge for you (and parents/guardians alike), but I am here to smooth that process as much as I can.  Therefore, I am committed to collaborating and effectively communicating with you and your families to ensure optimal success.  Like Theodore Roosevelt, I am a firm believer that students do not care how much you know unless they know how much you care.  My goal is not only to counsel you but to individually empower and prepare all of you for future opportunities as citizens and leaders.  Let's have an awesome school year! #GOTIGERS