Angela Smith
Head of Counseling Services
MS, School Counseling, Capella University; Post-graduate certificate in Addictions Counseling and Mental Health Counseling, Capella University; BS, Elementary Education and Social Science, University of Idaho e; National Board Certified Counselor; Certified Trauma Practitioner
Angela Smith is the head of counseling services at Willamette Connections Academy. Ms. Smith started working for Connections Academy in 2010 and hasn’t looked back since! She believes in the online format of learning, especially when coupled with the relationship building that takes place at a Connections Academy school. She shares her story below:
“I love seeing the ‘light’ come to a student’s face when they understand something new that they did not know before. I love helping people, and students are my favorite population! I have gotten to know my students on a more personal basis working at Connections Academy than I did at brick-and-mortar schools.
At Willamette Connections Academy, there is a feeling of camaraderie among the staff, students, and parents. We make learning fun with engaging activities, competitions, and rewards. We believe in team-building and interactive learning. This year, we are placing a lot of emphasis on the social/emotional aspect of learning, because we believe that the best academic results come from students who are socially and emotionally resilient.
"The best part of my job is building relationships with my students and my co-workers. I love being able to feel that I made a positive difference in someone’s life. When my students experience success, so do I. The best part of every day is feeling good about helping my students identify and accomplish their goals."
— Ms. Smith
Connections Academy students learn how to be much more responsible for their progress than students in a brick-and-mortar setting. Such independence builds confidence and good work habits that will serve students throughout their lives. Students who attend Connections Academy schools learn how to organize their time and accomplish daily goals.”