As the School Counselor and Advisor, Carolyn Manley brings over 30 years of teaching and counseling experience to SAA. Carolyn is an integral part of the Student Support Team, focusing on providing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate program.
In 2013 Carolyn joined SAA as the School Counselor. From day one, she has worked to build Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts and frameworks into the curriculum and culture of the school. The SAA counseling program is focused on identifying and alleviating obstacles so that children can work to their fullest potential. Carolyn works with students in individual, small group, and classroom settings, helping students build skills in areas like emotional management, stress management, self-awareness, and communication.
After earning her Bachelor's in Family and Social Services from Northern Illinois University, Carolyn became a preschool teacher. During that time, she pursued her Masters in Education in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She went on to teach in the psychology departments at Mundelein College, Loyola University Chicago and finally at Moraine Valley Community College, where she earned the Adjunct Professor of the Year Award from her fellow colleagues and students. She also counseled students in career and life planning at these institutions.
Carolyn eventually moved on to Morgan Park Academy in Chicago as a school counselor. She spent 12 years counseling students, coordinating the advisory program and implementing a strong character education program. It was this experience that drove her desire to find a school that valued social and emotional learning. Science & Arts Academy was that place!
In Carolyn’s role as an Advisor at SAA, she acts as a bridge between students, their teachers and their parents. Carolyn advocates for students on matters of academic, social, and behavioral development. Carolyn tells us that, “gifted children are amazing people with a specific set of needs, and I am happy to be here. I need to be here! My hope is that all of our students learn to embrace their uniqueness; discover their talents; believe in themselves and learn to work to their full potential.”
Carolyn is a lifelong Chicagoan from the South Side of Chicago, and a mother of two independent school graduates.
In 2013 Carolyn joined SAA as the School Counselor. From day one, she has worked to build Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts and frameworks into the curriculum and culture of the school. The SAA counseling program is focused on identifying and alleviating obstacles so that children can work to their fullest potential. Carolyn works with students in individual, small group, and classroom settings, helping students build skills in areas like emotional management, stress management, self-awareness, and communication.
After earning her Bachelor's in Family and Social Services from Northern Illinois University, Carolyn became a preschool teacher. During that time, she pursued her Masters in Education in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She went on to teach in the psychology departments at Mundelein College, Loyola University Chicago and finally at Moraine Valley Community College, where she earned the Adjunct Professor of the Year Award from her fellow colleagues and students. She also counseled students in career and life planning at these institutions.
Carolyn eventually moved on to Morgan Park Academy in Chicago as a school counselor. She spent 12 years counseling students, coordinating the advisory program and implementing a strong character education program. It was this experience that drove her desire to find a school that valued social and emotional learning. Science & Arts Academy was that place!
In Carolyn’s role as an Advisor at SAA, she acts as a bridge between students, their teachers and their parents. Carolyn advocates for students on matters of academic, social, and behavioral development. Carolyn tells us that, “gifted children are amazing people with a specific set of needs, and I am happy to be here. I need to be here! My hope is that all of our students learn to embrace their uniqueness; discover their talents; believe in themselves and learn to work to their full potential.”
Carolyn is a lifelong Chicagoan from the South Side of Chicago, and a mother of two independent school graduates.