I am Karen Van Ert, the counselor at New River Elementary School. I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. I attended Northern Arizona University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. I earned my Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of San Diego. I have been a school counselor in all levels, K-12. I am entering my 35th year in the profession! Much of my career was in Central and Northern Arizona. Most recently, I worked in Grand Junction, Colorado as a middle school counselor. I wanted to return to Arizona and am excited to be working once again as an elementary counselor here at New River Elementary!