School Counselor

Our goal at Rice is to provide comprehensive services that support each student’s personal academic, social/emotional, and spiritual growth. In addition, we hope to aid students in becoming responsible, culturally aware, productive and dynamic members of a changing society. Mr. Barron is joining Rice for the 2023-2024 school year, he worked at Rice during the 2022-2023 school year while Ms. Rabbin was on maternity leave. He quickly earned the respect of our stafff and is a dynamic member of our team, bringing positive energy and fresh ideas. He will be an outstanding addition to our community and a valuable resource for our students. 

Background:

• Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Social Sciences - Clarkson University
• Master of Arts - Counseling, concentration in School Counseling - Northern Vermont University
• He worked as a School Counselor at Rice while Ms. Rabbin was on Materinity Leave and as a full-time school counselor at Vergennes Middle School
• Prior to becoming a school counselor, worked in community mental health for the Howard Center in Burlington
• Joined Rice in 2023

Get to Know Him:

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I enjoy being a counselor because:  I have a passion for helping people. I think it is incredible that I get paid to do what I get to do. I think standing beside people as they walk through challenges and trying times is a privilege. I believe people can change for the better and I love how open to positive change teenagers are. I love helping students discover which direction they want to head in their future and to enjoy the adventure along the way.

I choose to work at Rice because: I appreciate the community at Rice and the overall mission of supporting the individual needs of each student.  I also love being part of a team and the guidance team at Rice is filled with  amazing people.

What is your favorite thing about your job? My favorite part about being a school counselor is the relationships I get to form with the students.  I have the opportunity to support students during really challenging moments, and also get to see them overcome obstacles and experience success.  

If you had an unexpected afternoon off, what would you do with your time? I would either sneak in some bonus time on the golf course, or I would go home and spend time with my wife and play with our dog in the backyard (while our cat watches in the window).

Best vacation/trip you’ve ever been on: The best trip I’ve ever been on was when my wife and I went to Aruba for our honeymoon.  I’m not typically a beach person, but Aruba was so beautiful and the white sand and turquoise water was amazing.

Favorite tradition, fieldtrip, or project in your department: While my time at Rice has been limited, I was able to participate in a few end of the year events last year including senior day.  It was awesome to see a room filled with seniors coming in and out, sharing their feelings about ending their time at Rice as well as their excitement about their future plans.

Favorite Rice tradition or event: I really look forward to the pep rallies that happen throughout the year.  It’s cool to see the students cheering each other on and watching the drumline perform.  They typically include a game or two where the students challenge some of the faculty, which is always entertaining.

Favorite Rice Sports Team to watch: Girl’s basketball (my younger sister used to play!)    

Favorite Professional Sports Team or Athlete: Boston Celtics and Rickie Fowler

If a prospective family asked you “why should I send my student to Rice,” what would you say? If you’re looking for a community feel that has plenty of opportunity for academic challenges and offers structures that will help prepare them for college, you should consider Rice.