Introducing our new Social Emotional Counsellors, Ms. Jaimi Gilmore and Ms. Ashley Gossen, who joined Meadowridge this year to support the mental health and well-being of our students. Together, they help foster a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
This addition aligns with our Strategic Plan’s Diversity & Inclusion pillar, which calls on us to design and develop programs that support the inclusion of all Meadowridge learners. As part of this commitment, the school expanded its counselling team, ensuring even greater access to support and care across all grade levels.
Meet Ms. Jaimi Gilmore
1. What does your role as a Social Emotional Counsellor involve?
It’s very multifaceted - which I love. Mainly, I'm a safe place for students to land when they feel like they can’t manage something on their own. I help them acquire the tools they need to strengthen their resilience, manage challenges independently and grow into the best, most confident versions of themselves.
Ms. Gilmore’s approach:
My approach posits that the most effective growth and healing come from self-compassion, not self-criticism. Often, our struggles come from resilient parts of us trying to cope the best they can, even if their ways aren’t always helpful. The goal isn’t to see something wrong with ourselves, but to recognize the strength it takes to keep going despite challenges.
2. Why do you think mental health education and awareness are so important in schools?
It’s become far too easy to avoid (and distract ourselves from) our emotions instead of working through them. The earlier we can teach our students to understand and manage their feelings, the better equipped they’ll be to handle challenges in the future.
3. What’s one small thing students (or anyone) can do to support their own well-being?
MOVE YOUR BODY! Happiness doesn’t always come naturally; sometimes, we must work for it. Fortunately, physical exercise increases your brain’s feel-good chemicals (dopamine and serotonin), so get moving!
4. What are your go-to strategies for helping students manage stress and regulate their emotions?
Every individual has a unique set of needs, shaped by their individual characteristics. Unfortunately, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing stress and regulating emotions, but I will say that a universal approach is to prioritize self-care by doing things you love. Taking care of yourself is just as important as completing tasks on your to-do list.
Fun Fact: Ms. Gilmore is a second-degree black belt.
Meet Ms. Ashley Gossen
1. What does your role as a Social Emotional Counsellor involve?
My role focuses on supporting students’ emotional well-being, social development, and sense of belonging within the school community. Having a multi-counsellor team offers different lenses—whether developmental, cultural, or therapeutic. This way, students always have access to the approach that best suits them. I connect with students individually and in groups, facilitate classroom lessons, and collaborate with staff and families to create a caring and more inclusive environment.
Ms. Gossen’s Approach:
I believe meaningful growth starts when students feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is centred on connection, compassion, and empathy—creating a caring space where students feel understood, valued, and confident in exploring their emotions and strengths.
2. Why do you think mental health education and awareness are so important in schools?
Prioritizing mental health ensures students feel safe, seen, and supported—not just academically, but as whole people. It also empowers students to recognize when they need help and how to ask for it.
3. What’s one small thing students (or anyone) can do to support their own well-being?
Spend time doing something that genuinely recharges you, whether that’s going outside, listening to music, or being creative. Well-being often grows from small moments of joy.
4. What are your go-to strategies for helping students manage stress and regulate their emotions?
I encourage students to build a “coping toolbox” filled with personalized strategies, such as journaling, listening to music, or using positive affirmations. Having multiple options empowers them to choose what works best in the moment.
Fun Fact: Ms. Gossen once road-tripped all the way up to Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories — camping the entire way until she reached the Arctic Ocean!
Learn more about our counsellors here
If you have specific concerns about your child(ren), reaching out to your child's homeroom or advisory teacher is a great place to start. If you have questions about the counselling department, are looking for more information about services provided, or want support in accessing external resources, feel free to reach out to any of our Social Emotional Counsellors. They can be reached via the following emails: Ms. Jaimi Gilmore (jaimi.gilmore@meadowridge.bc.ca) and Ms. Ashley Gossen (ashley.gossen@meadowridge.bc.ca).