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Mental Wellness

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At Pace Academy, we are dedicated to supporting the whole child. Through our comprehensive mental wellness initiative, we strive to support students as they endeavor to become prepared, confident citizens of the world. Students' social and emotional growth is a vital part of that journey. 

OUR MISSION

We provide students with the tools they need to thrive at Pace Academy and beyond through innovative, proactive and evidence-based mental wellness programs.

 

 

 

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Pace Academy is committed to fostering a nurturing, safe and positive learning environment for every student. Our mental wellness programs are dedicated to promoting healthy development and positive well-being throughout the Pace community. Through proactive prevention and education initiatives, we support the well-being of students, families and faculty alike.

OUR APPROACH

Our holistic approach to mental wellness provides guidance and support for the entire Pace community. We recognize that for our students to thrive, they must be supported by an empowered faculty, informed families and prepared peers. Our thoughtfully designed program is intended to provide education and tools that build progressively from Pre-First to graduation.

Thriving Students

At the core of our initiative is the commitment to help every student thrive. We focus on equipping students with the tools and support they need in order to become prepared, confident citizens of the world, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of their future.

For Pace Students, we provide...

  • Confidential Counseling: Individual and small-group counseling sessions with licensed mental health professionals in a safe and supportive environment

  • Character Education: Regular character education lessons focused on positive personal growth, mental wellness and community values

  • Social and Emotional Skill-Building: Integration of social and emotional skills into classroom activities across all divisions

  • Mental Health Literacy: Education to increase awareness and understanding of key mental health issues affecting our community and beyond

  • Strengthened Support Networks: Relationship mapping to ensure every student has access to at least one safe and trusted adult on campus

  • A Supportive Environment: An environment that promotes self-care and the care of others

Empowered Faculty

We believe that behind every successful student is a supportive teacher. To foster student well-being, we must also be committed to the well-being of our dedicated faculty and staff.  

FOR PACE FACULTY AND STAFF, WE PROVIDE...

  • Access to Mental Health Resources: Mental health services to support the well-being of all employees and their families

  • Comprehensive Training: In-depth training to support student well-being and social and emotional needs, as well as tools to utilize in the classroom

  • Professional Development: Access to local and national training opportunities 

  • Consultation and Support: Expert guidance on effective strategies for helping students thrive in the classroom

Informed Families

Students’ social and emotional skills are strengthened when they are reinforced at home. We equip families with tools and information through educational programming and community events.  

FOR PACE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, WE PROVIDE...

  • Family Programming: Regular educational offerings, including a professional speaker series, workshops for parents, and Coffee and Conversation events with our counseling department

  • Educational Opportunities: Insights into child development, mental health, technology, positive parenting, equity and inclusion, substance misuse, parenting trends and more

  • Consultation and Support: Resources and guidance when a child is struggling 

  • Community Referrals: Connections to additional community resources, including outpatient therapy and psychiatric services, as needed 

  • Parenting Connection: A division of the Parents Club responsible for increasing parent engagement in programming related to parenting and mental wellness; additional resources via the school’s internal parent portal

Our Counselors

Ellye Millaway

Director of Mental Wellness, US Counselor, US Science Teacher, US Pathways Advisor

Amelia Harmon

Director of Counseling Services, US Counselor, US Science Teacher

Rachel Cole

US Counselor, US Pathways Advisor

Sue Errera

MS Counselor

Lele Fallon

MS Counselor/Academic Coach

Madelynn Coots

LS Counselor

Pam Petrillo

LS Counselor

OUR CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGIST

Christi Bartolomucci

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Dr. Bartolomucci is the founder and clinical director of Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center and specializes in working with children, adolescents and families struggling with difficulties ranging from anxiety and depression to perfectionism, body image and ADHD.

Dr. Bartolomucci is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and her M.Ed. in Community Counseling from the University of Georgia. She completed a pre-doctoral internship in Child Clinical Psychology at the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center. Her post-doctoral fellowship was completed in Pediatric Psychology at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Bartolomucci has been in private practice in the Atlanta area since 2003. 

Along with direct clinical work, Dr. Bartolomucci is passionate about training and supervision of newer therapists, as well as sharing mental health information through community-based presentations. She has professional affiliations with the Georgia Psychological Association and the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia. 

Dr. Bartolomucci is available to meet with students, parents and caregivers to provide various counseling services.