Well-being & Counseling

At Berkshire, we aim to help you develop the habits of mind and character that will prepare you for success in your academic pursuits and in your life in general. We dive deep into topics like character development, citizenship, identity, decision making, inclusion, leadership, and college transition, helping you better understand yourself and the world around you.

Through intentional and developmentally appropriate topics, workshops, speakers, and classroom curricula, you'll gain science-based and relevant tools for navigating challenges and creating strong relationships, the foundation for growth and development.

When students cultivate strong relationships, embrace challenges, practice resilience, and seek out opportunities for growth, we fulfill our role as educators by helping them become their best selves."
Steph Holmes '06
Director of Counseling

Steph Holmes '06, Director of Counseling

A graduate of Cornell University and Boston University with a Masters in Social Work, Steph returned to her alma matter in 2022 as Director of Counseling after serving in a similar role at Brooks School. At Berkshire, Steph also serves as an advisor and hockey coach, and lives on campus.

Email: sholmes@berkshireschool.org

Nick Pohl, Associate Dir. of Counseling

Nick joined Berkshire's Counseling Office in 2024 as a long time behavior health specialist. A graduate of Concordia College and Fordham University with a Masters in Social Work, Nick previously served as Assistant Program Director at The Austen Riggs Center and as the Dean of Students and Primary Clinician at John Dewey Academy. In addition to his role in the Counseling Office, Nick serves as a cross country and alpine ski coach.

Email: npohl@berkshireschool.org

At Berkshire, licensed clinicians are available to provide individual counseling to all students. Students may request appointments at counseling@berkshireschool.org or by phoning or emailing individual counselors.

Students are introduced to the Counseling Office during orientation and at Health and Wellness events. Students refer themselves or may be referred by advisors, faculty, friends, peer listeners or parents/guardians.

Learn About Our Peer Listeners

Learn About Our Peer Listeners

Peer Listeners is a group of student leaders on campus supported by the Counseling Office. Built on the premise that students will seek the support and guidance of their peers during difficult times, Peer Listeners are available to all students.

Peer Listeners are not professional counselors but are trained in active listening, problem solving, crisis response, and stress reduction. The mission of Peer Listeners is to foster emotional wellbeing through confidential peer-to-peer interaction. Peer Listeners will also lead campus programming and initiatives to raise awareness about mental health and decrease stigma around seeking support.

Form Programming

Form III (9th)

Arriving, Adjusting, and Connecting

Topics addressed: mindfullness, stress management, executive functioning skills, time management, life in a boarding school/community living, nutrition, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, puberty and age appropriate sex ed, mental health awareness.

Form IV (10th)

Decisions, Identity, and Development

Topics Addressed: identity and values, the teenage brain, decision making, mindfulness, substance use and abuse, gender and sexual orientation, media and social media literacy, sexual education and the reproductive system, consent, healthy relationships, empathy and bystander training.

Form V (11th)

Leadership, Individuality, and Diversity

Topics addressed: leadership training, diversity training.

Form VI (12th/PG)

Completion, Transitions, and College Life

Topics addressed: College mental health, alumni panels on college experience, variety of offerings including workshops and speakers related to social decision making in college, college mental health, substance abuse and campus culture, sexual education, consent, and greek life.