For Natalie Goc, school counseling is more than a profession—it’s a mission to cultivate kindness, self-regulation, and confidence in the young students at Lincoln Elementary School. Now in her fourth year as the school counselor, Natalie has made a lasting impact on the K-2 community, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Natalie’s path to Lincoln Elementary reflects her deep commitment to helping others. Originally from a small rural town in northwest Illinois, she grew up in a tight-knit community with just 27 classmates in her graduating high school class. After earning her undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College at Notre Dame, she initially pursued teaching but switched to social work during her junior year, feeling it was a better fit for her aspirations. Following years of working with social service organizations and raising her two children, Natalie moved to Macomb and re-entered the workforce part-time before finding her way to Lincoln Elementary. “This is the exact job I always wanted to do,” she says with a smile.

Her role as a counselor is multifaceted. From welcoming students at the door each morning to leading small group sessions that address anxiety, impulse control, and peer relationships, Natalie’s days are packed with meaningful interactions. “I love seeing the smiles on their faces—and sometimes the tears… but I’m comfortable with the tears, too,” she says. “Every day is different, and every moment is an opportunity to help a child grow.”

One of Natalie’s most impactful initiatives is the Kind Kids Club, a second-grade leadership program she launched in January of 2024. The club aims to build confidence, foster community, and empower students to drive their own service projects. Students apply to join the club through a one-page application, and nearly half of the second-grade class participates. “I wanted a space where any child could choose to be part of something positive,” Natalie explains. “It’s not about being referred for challenges—it’s about opting in to make a difference.”

The Kind Kids Club operates during recess, where students brainstorm and execute service projects under Natalie’s guidance. Last year, they organized a book drive for the local hospital, creating gift bags with baby books for new parents. They also made Valentine’s cards for nursing home residents and spent time playing games with them, fostering intergenerational connection. One particularly creative project involved crafting masks and posters to celebrate the school’s principal and assistant principal on Boss’s Day. “The ideas come from the kids,” Natalie emphasizes. “When they see their ideas come to life, their investment and pride are incredible.”

Natalie’s innovative approach extends to her group counseling sessions, where she uses games to help students practice problem-solving and conflict resolution. “Any game you play will naturally bring up conflict,” she explains. “It’s a great opportunity to pause, rewind, and say, ‘Let’s try that again.’” These sessions provide a safe space for children to navigate big emotions and develop the skills they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

The need for such programs has grown significantly in recent years. Natalie notes that the recommended counselor-to-student ratio is 1:250, yet Lincoln Elementary has over 400 students—and just one counselor. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only heightened the emotional challenges faced by students. “I knew there would be a lot of need when I started,” she says. “But what I saw exceeded even my expectations.”

Despite the volume of her work, Natalie finds immense purpose in her role. “I wouldn’t do a job if I didn’t feel purpose in it,” she says. “And I never doubt the purpose of this work.” She credits the support of her colleagues and the Lincoln PTO, which provides funding for the Kind Kids Club, as essential to her success.

Natalie’s efforts have not only transformed individual students but have also created a ripple effect throughout the community. The Kind Kids Club’s service projects have touched the lives of nursing home residents, first responders, and countless others in Macomb. “We’re building a foundation for these kids,” she says. “When they see the smiles their work brings to others, it reinforces the importance of kindness and generosity.”

For Natalie, the greatest reward is watching her students grow—not just academically, but as compassionate, confident individuals. Through her work at Lincoln Elementary, she’s helping to lay the foundation for a brighter future, one kind act at a time.