Skip To Main Content

Upper School Mental Wellness

Welcome to the Pace Academy Upper School, where students learn to balance their academic and extracurricular pursuits in a supportive environment that encourages independence and self-advocacy. Our counseling program emphasizes mental wellness as the foundation of future success.

Our Mission

We are committed to providing students with the tools and resources they need to thrive at Pace Academy and beyond. Our innovative, proactive and evidence-based mental wellness programs lay the foundation for students' future success by supporting their social and emotional growth.

FOR PACE STUDENTS, WE PROVIDE: 

  • Confidential Counseling Services: Students have access to one-on-one and small-group counseling sessions, providing a safe and confidential space to address personal, social and academic issues.

  • Mental Health Awareness: We host regular assemblies and educational workshops with expert guest speakers to raise awareness about mental health issues, helping students gain valuable insights into managing their well-being.

  • Mentoring and Leadership Development: Our counseling team oversees several key initiatives, including Peer Leadership, where senior Peer Leaders support ninth graders as they begin their journey in the Upper School, and Pace Academy Student Support (PASS), which pairs fifth- and eighth-grade students with Upper School student mentors for mutual support and development. Additionally, the Student Advisory Board, a student-led club, actively supports and enhances the wellness of our school community through various projects and activities.

  • Ninth Grade Pathways Program: All ninth-grade students take Pathways as part of their curriculum. Pathways is a program designed to help students navigate the transition to the Pace Upper School and to build social and emotional skills for future success. The program promotes seven essential skills for SUCCESS: Self-Awareness, Understanding Emotion, Communication, Connection, Exercising Resilience, Self-Care and Self-Efficacy. Pathways is facilitated by trained teachers, coaches and staff members.  

  • Supportive Networks: We ensure that every student has access to trusted adults and mentors, creating a robust support network within the school.  

FOR PACE PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, WE PROVIDE:

  • Family Engagement: Our counseling team hosts a professional speaker series and informal “Coffee and Conversations” sessions on a variety of mental wellness topics.

  • Personalized Guidance: Counselors offer individualized support for parents, including recommendations for outpatient counseling services when needed. Our counselors act as liaisons between the school and external mental health providers to ensure comprehensive care.  

  • Resource Portal: Access additional resources and information is available via Parenting Connection.

FOR PACE FACULTY AND STAFF, WE OFFER:

Collaborative Support: Counselors work closely with teachers, coaches, class deans and divisional leadership to address specific student needs and provide support within and beyond the classroom.

Professional Development: We offer continuous training and resources to help faculty effectively support students’ emotional and developmental needs.

Ellye Millaway

Ellye Millaway

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

Amelia Harmon

Director of Counseling Services, US Counselor, US Science Teacher
Rachel Cole

Rachel Cole

US Counselor, US Pathways Advisor