Doug Pelcak, MA, LSC

Doug has been with the Hopkins School District since 1979. He does private therapy specializing in working with individuals with ADHD.

What inspired you to join the counseling profession?
The immense impact I could have on individuals’ development. My mom was a first grade teacher, and she inspired me about working with children as a career by telling the stories of all the children she was helping reach their early potential. School counselors work with the entire school culture — students, teachers, administrators, and parents. We are an active part of developing mentally healthy communities that value belonging and contributing for all. Adlerian Psychology is an excellent systems theory that applies to schools in many ways. The themes, strategies, and knowledge that we provide our students help them make the world a better place.

How did you become interested in counseling education?
I always enjoyed psychology and began to learn about the relatively new field of elementary school counseling. As an undergraduate at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, I was fortunate to find an elementary school counselor in the local school who was willing to let me train with her — I knew this was the career for me. I trained many counseling interns during my career and enjoyed the experience. In 2006, I was approached by the administration of AGS to form a school counseling program. I jumped on the chance to help create a program that combined theory and skills to develop strong counselors in the field. Beginning with a cohort of just 4 students, we have graduated over 300 school counselors who are highly respected and valued in their school communities. I am very proud of them!

What is so special about the culture at AGS?
AGS provides an environment based on encouragement, belonging, and significance. We all work together to help everyone improve their knowledge and skills. The positive relationships fostered in our program provide the base that makes the “courage to be imperfect” a norm in our learning experiences. Student learning is our primary focus. We get there by valuing and encouraging everyone in every class.

What are you most passionate about as an educator?
The power of belonging and contributing to atmospheres of safety brings out the passion and potential in everyone we meet. Learning the skills and attitudes to help this happen in schools produces amazing results.