Hi There! I am Madison Slagle (or Mrs. S). I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, but moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona for the last 6 years. I received my B.S. in Family Studies and Human Development and my M.A. in Counseling - School Counseling Emphasis. I enjoy spending time with my husband, our dog, and our amazing friends. We love to play board games, swim, and make food together (our favorite meal is tacos). I am so excited to be the school counselor at Gladden Farms! I am so passionate about helping kids solve problems and helping them find the right coping skills to process and handle difficult situations. My goal is to create an environment that students feel safe and comfortable in and know they can come to talk to me about any problem they might be struggling with. I hope to listen to make kids feel loved and understood.    

In Marana, school counselors follow the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model. I will do my best to lead, to teach, and to advocate for students’ academic, career, and personal/social development needs and ensure they are addressed. I will also collaborate with teachers, administration, staff, and families to find the best accommodations and solutions for the students’ problems and identify systemic barriers to student achievement by changing inequitable policies, procedures, and attitudes. Lastly, I will strive to celebrate diversity and create a safe school climate by valuing, respecting, and being responsive to cultural influences: race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, native language, and country and spirituality.  It is also important to examine our own cultural identities, biases, and privileges and I will try to help teach and educate. I will also strive to counsel from a multicultural perspective and with cultural competence: Accepting that you don’t know everything but having an openness and willingness to accept and learn about other cultures without judging or preconceptions. You cannot be competent on other cultures, but it is key to have cultural humility. 

What Does A School Counselor Do? 

Class Guidance Lessons - Each class receives counseling lessons in their classroom twice a month. These lessons include topics such as: problem-solving skills, friendship building, kindness, diversity, bullying, internet safety, study skills, social interactions, character building, mindfulness, coping skills, and many others. 

Small-Group Counseling - These groups are for students that can use some additional small group assistance. Groups form based on the type of needs. Examples include: Changing Families, anger/feelings management, friendship building, social skills, anxiety/depression coping skills, and self-esteem (etc.). These groups usually meet for 30 minutes, 1 day a week, for 6-8 weeks. Groups form in collaboration with teachers and families. If you think your student could benefit from additional support, please let me know. Students need parent permission to enroll in small group counseling. 

Individual Counseling - School counselors do not provide “therapy”. However, in times of crisis or concern, I often meet with students individually to provide additional support or to help students solve bigger problems. 

“Behind the Scenes”: I wear many hats

• 504 Site Coordinator
• McKinney-Vento Site Coordinator (helping homeless students overcome obstacles and barriers to receiving an education and to assist families with social services needs)
• PBIS Lead (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
• CST (Child Study Team) 

I am so grateful to have the privilege of working with your kids! If you need anything from me or have questions or concerns, please reach out.  

Madison Slagle - 
682-1180 ext. 8204