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National School Counseling Week, observed Feb. 3-7, recognizes counselors who help students navigate academics, career planning and personal challenges through classroom lessons, group sessions and individual counseling.

Two Fairfax County school counselors were among the finalists for the 2024 Outstanding School-Based Professional Employee Award.

Allison Warren

Allison Warren now works at Centre Ridge Elementary School but was nominated for her service at Centreville High School.

During her time at Centreville, Warren drew on two decades of experience to support students’ academic, career and personal development. Despite serving more than 250 students and advising multiple organizations, she remained accessible to young people seeking guidance.

Colleague Kara Stamper described Warren’s office as a safe place where students could find a trusted listener, resolve conflicts, work through problems and develop practical plans.

Former Centreville Principal Chad Lehman, now an executive principal for Region 5, said Warren made an “immeasurable impact” on students and colleagues. Her responsibilities ranged from individual student meetings and collaboration with school staff to analyzing improvement-plan data and addressing auditoriums filled with parents.

Lehman said Warren distinguished herself by managing those demands while maintaining strong personal connections with the students and employees she supported.

Alice L. Whitener

At Madison High School, Alice L. Whitener focuses on building relationships among students, families, teachers and community members. She also advocates for the College Partnership Program, sponsors the senior class and serves on the MAD WINGS team.

Director of Student Services Tim Buckley said Whitener quickly became a school leader after transferring to Madison. Over two years, she led the academic advising program and helped the department develop a new approach to advising students.

Several parents have described Whitener as their child’s “most trusted adult” at school, Buckley said, crediting her willingness to listen and her ability to remember what people share with her.

Principal Liz Calvert also highlighted Whitener’s role in supporting students through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports and the school’s chronic-absenteeism initiatives. Whitener assembles individualized teams involving clinical staff, specialists, teachers, parents and students, helping ensure that each student’s needs and perspective are considered.