Counseling Center

If you or someone you know is in need of help, CALL or TEXT 988,  the Suicide Prevention Lifeline

COUNSELING TEAM

7th Grade  Counselor

Lea Leatham

lea.leatham@boiseschools.org
Hello and welcome back 9th graders! I am excited to work with you during the 2023-24 school year and to be a part of the beginning of your high school journey. This is such an exciting year as your graduation planning starts NOW!  Please feel free to reach out to me for any academic/social emotional/college&career support.  You can reach me through email or clicking on the little blue box at the bottom of the screen. A little bit about me- I am in my 5th year as a school counselor at South. I enjoy hiking, bike rides,  and spending time with my husband and our 2 English Creme (golden) retriever pups! Fun fact about me: I am a former Bobcat! 
Boise State UniversityBachelors in Communication
Boise State University  Master of Arts in Counseling School Counseling/LPC

8th Grade Counselor 

Ben O'Brien

ben.obrien@boiseschools.org208-854-6122
Welcome 7th graders!!! I hope you all are rested and ready to tackle Junior High!  Getting off to a great start will help manage your stress and GPA as you progress towards high school.  I am here to assist you and your student with any academic, social/emotional, or post-secondary questions and/or concerns.  The best way to reach me is via email.
A little about me...I enjoy watching movies, spending time with my wife and three boys,  playing soccer, and golfing.
Coe CollegeBusiness Administration and Psychology
Northwest Nazarene UniversitySchool Counseling / LPC

9th Grade Counselor 

Molly McMillan

molly.mcmillan@boiseschools.org
Hello! Welcome to 8th grade! I am sure 2023-24 will be a memorable year for all of us. Please connect with me if you need emotional or academic support or just to say "Hi!" We will make it a great school-year and remember the best is yet to come! A little about me -  I enjoy playing tennis, biking, hiking,  and creating with my fun husband and our two dynamic children. 
The College of IdahoSpanish and Education 
Northwest Nazarene UniversitySchool Counseling/LPCEducational Leadership



South Counseling has a nationally recognized comprehensive program that serves ALL students. Counseling services are provided on an individual basis, in small groups and in a classroom setting. Counselors are also available to support communication between parents and teachers. South Junior High's School Counselors provide services in the following areas:  Academic, Social Emotional, College/Career

STUDENT SERVICES SUPPORT TEAM

Secretary

Terrie Sturges

terrie.sturges@boiseschools.org
Hello Bobcats!!!  I can't wait for the day when I get to see your smiling faces again.  It's going to be a crazy year, but we will get there.  Please let me know if you have any questions and I will answer them or get you in touch with the right person to answer them.
A little about me:  I love South! This is my 14th year here.  I have 3 kids and 9 grandchildren.  I love to cook/bake, read and spend time with family playing kickball with an exercise ball!!! And of course seeing all my south bobcats every weekday!! 

Social Worker

Gia Trotter


South Bobcats I couldn’t be more grateful to be joining this team! This is my neighborhood school and someday my sweet little 4 year old Zelda will go to South! I’m looking forward to meeting you all and helping to meet all the needs that you and your families may have. 
I have been a school social worker for the last 6 years in the Boise School District. Before that I was an Art teacher at two alternative high schools in West Ada Schools. I am a single mom to my one sweet 4 year old and when I am not working I spend as much time playing music as possible. I recently got into hiking and completed the Boise Grand Slam this spring!
I am extremely passionate about social work and I am dedicated to meeting the needs of South Junior High. Please contact with any questions at any time. 208.900.7031 


School Psychologist

Travis Peterson

travis.peterson@boiseschools.org
What's up Bobcats! I know times are challenging. I'm here to support mental health, learning, and behavior to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally during this unique time. A bit of information about me. I'm in my 6th year at South. I split my time with Grace Jordan Elementary as well. 
Personally, I have a couple of kids, pound dogs and a wife. My interests are fishing, exploring the mountains in my UTV, and backpacking. Hang in there. We'll eventually get back to normal!