The Counseling and Wellness Program at Christ Lutheran School is designed to support students in developing emotional awareness, self-regulation, and personal responsibility—all while keeping Christ at the center through a biblical approach. The program offers a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where students and parents can seek guidance, express themselves freely, and share their thoughts and experiences, fostering both emotional growth and spiritual well-being.
The Counseling and Wellness Program focuses on two key areas: general counseling/guidance and family support, and social-emotional learning. Together, these components are designed to support students’ overall well-being by addressing both their individual needs and the relationships that influence their growth.
Michael Schafer earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Concordia University in Irvine, California, and his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Arizona and brings a diverse range of experience from working in private practice, hospitals, residential treatment centers, and in his current role as the School Counselor at Christ Lutheran School. At Christ Lutheran, Michael has played a key role in developing and implementing the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. He has two students currently enrolled at CLS : a 7th grade daughter and a 4th grade son.
At the heart of our Counseling and Wellness Program is a compassionate commitment to walk alongside students and their families through life’s ups and downs. The goal has been to create an “open door” mentality where students/parents can reach out and be supported in exploring their feelings, developing healthy coping skills, and gaining confidence in navigating everyday challenges. Whether it’s managing stress, building self-esteem, or working through personal struggles, our school counselor is here to listen with empathy and offer thoughtful support tailored to each student’s unique journey.
Recognizing that families play an essential role in a child’s well-being, we also prioritize family support as a cornerstone of our approach. By partnering with parents and caregivers, we foster open communication, strengthen family bonds, and work together to create a nurturing environment both at home and at school.
Students and families are encouraged to reach out to Michael Schafer, School Counselor, if they ever need additional support or have any questions.
The SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) class at Christ Lutheran is uniquely structured, setting it apart from any other class students attend. It is built on a foundation of trust, with the primary goal of creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their personal, social and emotional experiences. Topics covered in SEL are closely aligned with the real-life challenges students face in the classroom and are approached through a biblical lens. While a core set of topics has been identified as beneficial, ongoing collaboration with teachers plays a vital role in shaping the direction of SEL discussions. This open communication provides timely insight into students’ needs, allowing the program to proactively address concerns before they escalate. In practice, this collaboration has proven to be an invaluable component of the program’s success. Topics in SEL include:
Respect and Dignity | Active Listening |
Ignoring Distractions | Social Filter |
Taking Responsibility | Friendships |
Gossip | Feelings and Emotions |
Conflict Resolution | Acting with Kindness |
Being a good sport | Sympathy and Empathy |
Cooperation | Perspective |
Growth Mindset | Mindfulness |
Working through Transitions | Choices and Consequences |