Counseling
The Counseling department at Bakken Elementary School is here to help you with a multitude of things. We are available to assist with:
Social and emotional development
Academic achievement
Transcript management
Or anything else you want to talk about!
Our mission to help all Bakken students adjust to stress and challenges that arise in Bakken Elementary. We understand whether you are a straight-A student who is breezing through school, someone who has just moved to Williston and doesn't know many people yet, or someone who is not succeeding academically, there are always times you might want someone to talk to.
About the Counselors
Samantha Mork
Samantha Mork grew up in Washburn, ND and Dawson, MN. She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she earned her degree in Psychology. After taking a few years off of school to gain some experience in the school system and mental health field, she completed her Masters in Counseling and Student Affairs with an emphasis in School Counseling at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Samantha Mork, Bakken Elementary School Counselor
Email: samantha.mork@willistonschools.org
Phone: 701-713-7300 ext. 2506
"Through my experiences, I saw a significant need for children to receive early interventions. Instead of being part of the reactive services, I wanted to be a part of the preventive process. I love working with students and helping students get through their day when it seems impossible to them. I love to be there for my students when they just need someone to truly listen with no judgement.
"As a counselor in a 5th and 6th grade center, I am a mix between an elementary and middle school counselor. I provide classroom lessons as well as group and individual sessions."
Fun Fact: "I love crafts, Harry Potter, Pinterest, and superheroes. The best part is it has all helped me relate to the students I work with. Being a School Counselor is proof that you can use all of the things that made you a nerd as a kid to be successful as an adult."
Colleen Hackley
Colleen Hackley is from a suburb of the Twin Cities; Prior Lake, Minesota. She went to the University of Minnesota-Duluth to study Psychology then moved back home to work as a preschool teacher for a couple of years.
"It was while I was working with kids that I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my Psychology degree-School Counseling! I moved back up to Duluth and went to the University of Wisconsin-Superior for my Masters in School Counseling.
"During the school day, you can find me teaching lessons in the classroom, working with students individually, or in small groups, meeting with parents and teachers, and working on various early interventions. What I enjoy most about being a Counselor, is helping students. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true. Being able to help students get through their school day, no matter what is bothering or distracting them. Whether it's something academic, social, or emotional, the best part for me is helping students and being able to see how much calmer and happier they are."
Fun Fact: "My family and I love to travel. Specifically, taking road trips in our Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia Camper. If you see a yellow "Scooby Doo Van" driving around town, it's probably me!"