Counseling Department

Social Emotional Counselors:

• Ms. Katy Lidell (Pre-K to Grade 5)
• Ms. Maya El Saneh (Grades 6 to 8)
• Ms. Khadija Hassan (Grades 9 to 12)

Academic Counselor:

Dr. Janita Michelle Bah (Grades 11 & 12)

ISCA (International School Counseling Association) Objectives Aligned with our GAAQ Core Values

Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) objectives seamlessly align with GAAQ's core values of Tenacity, Purpose, Innovation, Respect, and Leadership. As students progress through school, these objectives not only contribute to their personal and academic growth, but also nurture the embodiment of our school's fundamental principles.

Through this curriculum, our aim is to have students gain the following competencies throughout their GAAQ journey: 

• Social-Emotional Awareness
• Healthy Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making
• Problem-Solving
• Personal and Community Resources 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Guidance Counselor, Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

 At GAAQ, we have a dedicated Middle School Counselor overseeing Grades 6 - 8. Our counselor focuses on transitioning students from Grade 5 as they move to the Upper School as well as preparing all Middle School students for entering their High School years.  The counseling program helps bolster students’ social and emotional competencies to support them in their personal and academic progression.  In addition, the counselor works closely with all Middle School Grade Leads, providing guidance on dealing with a varying degree of student needs in this cohort.

Middle School and High School Advisory and the House System

Advisory classes for the entire Middle and High School offer our students a comprehensive support system.  Our curated Advisory program includes opportunities to practice self-motivation and social skills. We build team spirit with monthly house challenges. We grow their Social and Emotional Competencies though lessons such as ‘Digital Citizenship,’ ‘Responsible Decision Making,’ ‘Increasing Self Awareness’ and ‘Building Social Skills.’

Our Counselors offers comprehensive support services such as:

• Individual, Personalized Support and Interventions
• Counseling Sessions
• Consultation and Collaboration with Students, Parents/Guardians and Teachers/Other School Personnel
• External Collaboration to Resolve Student Issues and Support Student Wellbeing
• School Administration Support with Child Safeguarding and Wellbeing

HIGH SCHOOL

Dr. Janita Michelle Bah
Academic Counselor, High School (Grades 11 & 12)

GEMS American Academy Qatar has a full-time counselor who oversees Grades 11&12. Our High School (HS) counselor places a strong emphasis in supporting students with their college/university preparation and career advice as well as guiding them through their application process. 

Khadija Hassan
Guidance Counselor, High School (Grades 9 - 12)

The HS counselor supports the students with their social-emotional and academic needs and growth.  Moreover, the High School counselor works closely with students, parents and administration to support the intervention of our students and provide the best strategies to make them thrive as a whole student. 

GEMS for Life

GEMS for Life is a one-stop solution building on GEMS Education’s world-class school services. It will offer lifelong learning, student employability, university placement plus alumni engagement and a host of extra lifestyle benefits.

The mission is to provide lifelong support to the GEMS community throughout all stages of life to give students and alumni a competitive edge over their peers. Additionally, the vision of this program is to expand our world-class support beyond education to all aspects of life for all members of the GEMS community - past, present and future. 

To learn more about GEMS for Life, please click here to visit the website.

Unifrog (Grade 9 - 12)

One integral aspect of our counseling services is the utilization of Unifrog, the official university platform. This platform plays an important role in our students' journey from high school to university. Unifrog empowers students to explore their interests, delve into diverse career options, and acquire essential skills that will not only contribute to their academic success, but also facilitate a seamless transition to university life. 

College/University Visits and Fairs (Grade 9 - 12)

GEMS American Academy welcomes college and university admissions representatives throughout the school year to speak with interested students during morning break. Approximately 205 universities from around the world visit our school each year.

These visits are limited to students only, but parents are more than welcome to contact our office for the contact information of a visiting representative. 

Important Links

High School Profile

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