Orchard View High School Counseling Office

The Role of OVHS School Counselors

Orchard View High School counselors are masters level professionals with a mental health perspective who respond to the needs of a diverse student population. School counselors must graduate from an accredited school counseling masters degree program and be certified or licensed in the state of Michigan. OVHS Counselors adhere to the guiding principles of our governing organization, the American School Counselor Association.

OVHS counselors are assigned caseloads according to alphabet and support students in all grades 9-12. The role of the school counselor is complex with a wide range of job responsibilities. Much of the support provided to students and their families is through responsive services and delivery of relevant curriculum, required through the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

Counseling Mission and Vision Statements

Mission: Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment that encourages academic growth, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning for all students.

Vision: To prepare all students to meet the demands of an ever changing world.

Foundational Belief: Every child and adult can learn and grow.

OVHS Disclosure Statement

The American Counseling Association and the American School counselor Association endorse a code of ethics for counselors which includes confidentiality of the counselor/counselee relationship. The school counselors respect the rights and responsibilities of parents for their children and try to establish a cooperative relationship with parents in the best interest of their children. Michigan law requires counselors to report to the appropriate parties (1) suspicion of child abuse or neglect and (2) indications that the student may be a danger to themselves or others.

Meet the Counselors

Ms. Moore

Counselor A-K

I grew up in Whitehall Michigan, and graduated from Whitehall High School before attending Grand Valley State University, where I earned my BA in Education and English and a Masters in School Counseling. I’m passionate about helping students discover the right path for themselves, whether that’s preparing for college, entering the workforce, or exploring personal goals—while supporting their academic success and overall mental well-being. When I am not working, I love to read, spend time with family and friends, travel, attend concerts, or relax at the beach.

Mrs. Lazar

Counselor L-Z

I grew up in Ohio and graduated high school in Wisconsin before attending The University of Akron for Psychology followed by the completion of my Master's at Grand Valley State University. I have a husband and a 2 year old daughter. I am constantly on-the-go in my personal life between being a toddler mom and traveling to Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida, and Up North Michigan to visit family and friends. I am also a big Taylor Swift fan. You can stop in my office to see my Taylor Swift inspired bulletin boards! I have a passion for helping students with their mental health and enjoy the busyness that the school counseling profession requires.

Ms. Petisce

Mental Health Clinician

I grew up in Livonia Michigan, and graduated from Livonia Churchill High School before attending Grand Valley State University, where I earned my BA in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. When I am not working, I love to go to the gym, spend time with friends, go to the beach and attend concerts. I approach therapy with the belief that each person holds the strength and capacity for change within themselves. My role as a mental health clinician is to walk alongside our students—offering support, compassion, and guidance—as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward healing and growth.

Ms. Cashbaugh

Administrative Assistant

I grew up all over the world. My dad was in the Army. I graduated from Portage Central High School before getting married and starting my family. Now that all my kids are grown I have decided to go back to college and get my degree in secondary education. It's never too late to get an education! I love to travel, go on hikes, and during the warmer months you will always find me near or on the lake! I have a passion for breaking the stigma of mental health. You make sure your body is healthy, you should also take care of your mental health!