Hanna Karcher, School Psychologist
My Name is Hanna Karcher and I am so excited to join the Soaring Hawk family this year as the School Psychologist. This will be my 15th year as a School Psychologist and I absolutely love my job! My story starts in Elementary School, having struggled greatly with learning. I very much remember my days testing with “the testing lady” and then working with special education teachers to fill in gaps. If it were not for them, I would not be where I am today. I knew at 10, I wanted to work with kids and help them succeed even if it was hard for them. Then, my sophomore year of College, Dr. McCallum inspired me to be a School Psychologist. While it was hard, I persevered and never gave up. My mission is that all kids can succeed, no matter what their challenges are, given the right support and help. Learning is not a sprint, but a marathon. I also believe communication between home and school is essential as well, “Success is best when Shared!” I understand the Special Education process can be scary, but I am here to help! I am eager to not only guide students in this process, but also guide teachers and families. I am passionate about working with students struggling with learning disabilities, trauma, emotional difficulties, Autism and much more.
I live here in beautiful Castle Rock with my husband and two kids (but have also lived in Las Vegas, Chicago, Tucson and Sweden (where I was born!) When I am not at work, you will find us camping and on bike rides around town and shuffling our kids around to their activities (Piano, Band, Karate, Gymnastics and Girl Scouts.)
I look forward to a great school year and please do not hesitate to reach out at any time if you have any questions or concerns. I am here for you, your child and your family!
Melody Surat- School Counselor
I am a dedicated and experienced licensed school counselor with 14 years in the field of education. A proud alumna of Adams State University, I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees with honors, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic excellence and professional growth.
I began my career working in a high school in Georgia, where I honed my skills in adolescent counseling and support. I then transitioned to working with middle school students, further broadening my expertise in educational counseling. Currently, I serve as an elementary school counselor at Soaring Hawk Elementary, where I continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young students.
In addition to my role in the school system, I am a licensed clinical counselor. I run a private therapy business, providing counseling services to a diverse clientele. My comprehensive approach to counseling integrates clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the educational environment, making me an asset to both my school community and private clients.
Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my five children, finding joy and fulfillment in family activities and nurturing my children's growth and development. My passion for counseling and my dedication to my family make me a compassionate and effective counselor. I’m always striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
Meghan Atwell- Social Worker
My name is Meghan Atwell. My undergrad degree is in Addiction Counseling from University of South Dakota. During my time at UDS I was a swimmer. I finished out a 17 year swim carree my senior year. I worked with addiction clients for two years while in school. I graduated in May with my Masters in Social Work from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I was an intern at Trailblazers Affective needs program last year. I am passionate about supporting others in the process of navigating emotions. I am excited for what his year has to offer.
In my free time I work out and spend time with my family. I do crafts of any kind including building model homes. My goal is to always stay young at heart.
Roles for each Mental Health Specialist
Hanna Karcher-School Psychologist (Monday-Friday)
-Completion of cognitive evaluations/social emotional evaluations
-Attend re-eval IEP meetings
Meghan Atwell -Social Worker (Monday-Friday)
-Provide social/emotional services as outlined on students IEPs
-Attend annual IEP meetings for students services
-Some SE evals with collaboration of evals
-Consultation with teachers on IEP students
-Safety Assessments (Suicide Assessment, Threat Assessment, Child
abuse reporting support)
Melody Surat- School Counselor (Monday-Friday)
-One classroom visit per month facilitating a Social Emotional
Learning lesson based on the CASEL model. Parent component to
supplement this information will be included in the counseling corner
in the parent newsletter.
-Parents and teachers can refer a student to meet with the school
counselor on an individual or small group basis. Link is provided above.
A meeting will be held with teacher/parent to discuss the focus of
the intervention. 6-8 week intervention will be monitored with data.
At the conclusion of the intervention, parents and teachers will be
communicated with regarding the response to this intervention and
further resources will be provided if needed.
-Safety Assessments (Suicide Assessment, Threat Assessment, Child
abuse reporting support)
Safe2Tell: 1-877-542-7233
Text-a-Tip: use the following link to submit information
http://www.p3tips.com/760
Colorado Crisis Line: 1-844-493-8255
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
Castle Rock Police Department: 303-663-6100