Cory Neusche joined Hawthorn in 2014 as a School Counselor and is thrilled for the opportunity to work within the school system, alongside educators and parents, to better meet the holistic needs of students. Cory is also the District Counseling Coordinator.

After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education at Drury University, Cory received a Master of Arts degree in Counseling, with a double emphasis in Human Growth and Development and School Counseling from Saint Louis University.

Cory's previous work focused on serving youth in a variety of settings, including: public schools, a residential treatment facility specializing in attachment and trauma, an inner-city clinic, and a not-for-profit agency specializing in divorce and grief and loss.

In Cory's free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jacob, daughter, Taylor, and son, Luke. She loves boating, hiking, and cooking.

Heather Larimer joined Hawthorn Elementary as a school counselor in 2018.  She is excited for the opportunity to partner with school staff and families in order to meet the needs of students.  She looks forward to helping through classroom lessons, small group instruction, and individual work in the area of social emotional development.  

Heather received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from William Woods University.  She became a fourth and fifth grade teacher for five years in Fulton, MO.  She later earned a Master of Education in Counseling with an emphasis in School Counseling from Stephens College.  Most recently, she brought school counseling experience from Columbia, MO.  

Heather loves being with family and friends and spending as much time as possible with her two dogs, Vinny and Grace.  She also enjoys cooking and scrapbooking.  

You are welcome to stop in, email, or call the counselors anytime! Counselors will also post lesson topics regularly on ParentSquare, and students may access resources in their classroom library or counselor's library in the hallway.

DESE standards for counseling lessons can be found online.

• Cory Neusche: 573-317-3453
• Heather Larimer: 573-317-3412

What We Do:  

School Counseling Curriculum:

• Lessons are presented to students on topics such as self-awareness, self-regulation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, careers, strengths and interests, and study habits. Link to the Counseling Standards: https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/school-counseling/curriculum

Individual Sessions:

• All students are welcome to request to see the counselor one-on-one or with peers throughout the school day with the goal of a quick return to learning. The school counselor may also be prompted to check in on a student per principal, teacher, or your request as well.

Counseling Groups:

• Short-term voluntary groups are offered due to parent, teacher, counselor, or student requests.  Topics may include emotional regulation and expression, conflict resolution, self-concept, etc.  We will always send a letter home if your child is invited to participate in a group and will always seek parental permission. 

Ongoing Weekly Groups at Recess:

• Playgroups are held on Wednesdays for students wanting to make new friends and are open to all students. 

• Mindfulness Groups are held on Monday to set a calm and centered tone for the week. These groups are available for all students and staff to attend.

• Feel Good Groups are held for staff and students on Thursday for students to be “perfectly them” and are open to all students. 

Positive Support that is open to all! 

-Reward Lunches or Recesses: Students who earn classroom rewards can choose to have lunch or recess with a counselor and friend! We also love rewarding each class quarterly for following counseling lesson expectations/participating, with counselor whole class lunches! 

-Regulation Station: Open to any student (or staff!) who needs a quiet calming break or who needs a movement break. We also supplied each teacher with calming corner materials for all students in their classroom! 

-Extra Classroom Lessons: self-concept, gratitude, friendship, kindness, empathy, mindfulness, or anything else the teacher or you feel your personal students/class culture needs.

-Caught Ya Awards: To spread the love and the positive by celebrating individual students’ positive and kind choices by any adult!