Counselor

Meet Our Counselors

Hello! I am the School Counselor for grades K-8. I started my journey as a School Counselor in 2018 and have been at HomeLink since 2022! Before I started as a School Counselor, I worked with children for 10 years in the mental health field. I am excited to be a part of the HomeLink family.

My passion has always been working with students and helping them navigate their big feelings as they grow. I am open and willing to meet with students and parents regarding academic, home, and social issues. I can work with students and parents to help develop positive strategies within their academic journey. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns or just pop into my office at the Main Campus.

Warm Regards,

Heather Gilliland
K-8 Grade Counselor
heather.gilliland@rsd.edu

Greetings! I joined the counseling team at HomeLink in 2024, and I am truly delighted to be a Lynx. Around campus, I am known as Ms. Meshe, and I serve as the high school counselor. I have quickly grown to love this community—our students are exceptional, and it has been a privilege to build meaningful relationships with our families.

I joined HomeLink with a diverse professional background that I believe enhances my work as a school counselor. Previously, I served as an advocate in the court system for children in foster care, taught high school English, and provided social-emotional learning support by facilitating small groups and individualized skill-building sessions for middle school students.

These experiences have shaped my passion for supporting and advocating for students’ academic, social-emotional, and career development.

Take care and be amazing,

Maisha (Meshe) Medina
9-12 Grade Counselor
Maisha.medina@rsd.edu

Resources

Letter of Recommendation Request - Print, complete and submit this to your teacher or counselor before requesting a letter of recommendation. This will help them write the best letter possible for you!
School-Based Child and Family Therapy - Isabella Senter (MSW, LSWAIC) is a school-based child and family therapist employed by Catholic Charities with an office at Three Rivers HomeLink. Isabella offers brief solution-focused therapy for students and their immediate support system to assist with improving mental health. Fill out the request for assistance form to meet with Isabella or send at email at isabella.senter@rsd.edu.

Important Information

Mental Health Resources

Benton Franklin Crisis Response: 509-792-1747

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)

Mental Health Resources for Yourself and Your Friends (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)

Warning Signs of Suicide (National Institute for Mental Health)

Suicide Prevention: 10 Questions & Answers (Brickel & Associates)

Lutheran Community Services, SWIFT (Stabilization & Wellness in Families), 3 Rivers WISe: Wraparound with Intensive Services

Practice Grounding

The image presents six different techniques for practicing grounding, which are described as ways to manage anxiety and intense emotions. The techniques include using the body, the five senses, self-soothing, observing an object, breathing exercises, and distraction.

Apps for Teens w/Anxiety

11 free relaxation apps for teens with anxiety, featuring 7 Cups, Moodtrack, Pacifica, and Relax Melodies, with a background of a serene landscape.

Coping Tools for Students

The image is a checklist titled %22Coping Tools: What Helps Me%22 that includes various activities and self-care practices, such as reading, exercising, playing games, and practicing mindfulness.

Assessment Information

Benchmark Assessments - District Assessment

Kinder - 1st Grade: Reading (DIBELS), Math (AIMS/MComp) - This benchmark is given three times a year: Fall, Winter & Spring
2nd Grade - 8th Grade: MAP for both Reading & Math - This benchmark is scheduled for Fall & Winter. If you want a Spring assessment conducted for your student please contact your consultant.
- MAP Practice Tests - Username=grow; Password=grow

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) - State Assessment

3rd-12th grade students in the Spring, required for graduation
- SBA Practice Tests

Tri-Tech Skills Center

Tri Tech Skills Center - 509-222-7300

Tri-Tech Skills Center is designed to help students get a head start on their career goals by providing focused training in specific professions. Programs are designed in three-period blocks allowing the extended time to not only learn the theory of a subject, but to also get hands-on experience. The programs are personalized. Instructor-to-student ratios is low, allowing the skills center staff the time to get to know each student and address their unique learning styles.

Scholarships

Running Start

Collegeboard - PSAT/SAT/ACT

College Guidance

High School and Beyond Plan

Career/Military Guide

GED/Credit Recovery

GED Study Guide - What does the GED Test include? The test covers four subjects: math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts. The test takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

GED Information - Washington State GED Test Eligibility Requirements

Washington Youth Academy - Program graduates can recover up to 8.0 credits (approximately 1.3 years of high school credits). Credits are approved by OSPI and taught by certificated teachers. The goal is to return graduates to their home high school to graduate on time with their peers.

FAFSA

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Click on the link above to learn how to fill out the FAFSA form, when you can submit your form, and what to do after you complete the form.

Students ineligible for federal aid but who meet state financial aid program and residency requirements should complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid at wsac.wa.gov/wasfa instead of the FAFSA form. Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council or your financial aid administrator for more information.

In This Section

Heather Gilliland
K-8 Grade Counselor
heather.gilliland@rsd.edu