Counselor

 Tamara Wilfong Tamara Wilfong

 

Mrs. Tamara Wilfong is beginning her twelfth year as a school counselor and her seventh year at Buchanan Elementary.  Mrs. Wilfong has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Sociology from Missouri State University, a Master of Science in School Counseling from Evangel University and a certificate in Play Therapy from MidAmerica Nazarene University.

As a school counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal and social development of all students.  I look forward to offering support to the students, staff, families and community.

Throughout the school year, your counseling department will be conducting classroom guidance lessons twice monthly in all K-3 classrooms. Our lessons teach skills that are essential to both social and academic success focusing on core social-emotional skills such as empathy, friendship skills, emotion management, and problem solving.  We also meet with students individually and in small groups when we are made aware of a specific student need. 


Any student can request to meet with a counselor or they can be referred by a teacher, administrator or parent.  I encourage you to reach out to your counseling department if you have any concerns regarding your child.  If you would like for a counselor to meet with you or your child please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are here to serve your student. 


Mrs. Wilfong is a member of the American School Counseling Association, Missouri State Teacher Association and Missouri School Counselors Association.

 

Phone: (417) 243-2530 ext. 7021

   

Ben GibsonBen Gibson

Mr. Ben Gibson is beginning his thirteenth year as a school counselor and his first for the Branson School District. Mr. Gibson has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from College of the Ozarks and a Master of Science in K-8 School Counseling from Missouri State University. Mr. Gibson’s wife, Charity, is a Literature Professor at College of the Ozarks for twelve years. They have four children, and enjoy spending time as a family. 


Mr. Gibson loves having fun and helping kids to love school. You might see Mr. Gibson wearing fun costumes and disguises to greet kids in the morning or at school events. Mr. Gibson has no issue with dancing or getting silly to bring smiles to all those around him. It is Mr. Gibson’s wish that all students know him and feel comfortable to ask him for help for anything they might need.     


Mr. Gibson is a member of the American School Counseling Association and the Missouri School Counselors Association.  

 
Phone: (417) 243-2530 ext. 7022