Megan Thornton’s journey through education has been a testament to her adaptability, empathy, and unwavering commitment to student success. Now in her 21st year at Monmouth-Roseville, Megan has spent the past 14 years as one of the district’s school counselors after beginning her career as a sixth-grade teacher. Her work has transformed not only the lives of countless students but also the culture of the school itself.

“When I was teaching, I noticed that many of my students wanted to share their struggles, but there wasn’t always a space for that in a classroom setting,” Megan recalls. “I realized I wanted to be what I needed when I was a kid—a safe, understanding presence in their lives.” That realization drove Megan to pursue a degree in school counseling, equipping her to offer the support her students needed most.

At the core of Megan’s philosophy is a focus on relationships. “Trust is everything,” she explains. “From day one as a teacher to now, it’s been about connecting with students, parents, and the community. It’s about seeing the whole person in front of you—not just a math student or a reader, but a child navigating their world.”

Megan’s role as a school counselor is anything but predictable. “Every day is a new adventure,” she laughs. “I might start with a plan, but by the end of the day, I’ve darted off to wherever the need arises—whether it’s individual counseling, running small groups, or even mediating playground drama.”

One of Megan’s most creative initiatives came to life on the playground, where she encouraged students to use their imaginations by creating a pretend restaurant. With funding from the Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC), she purchased toy food and supplies, allowing students to play and collaborate. “It’s a way to nurture social skills and problem-solving,” she says, chuckling as she recalls an unexpected twist: “On the first day, some kids staged a heist to rob the restaurant! It caused a little drama, but it was also a great learning moment.”

Megan is deeply aware that not every problem has a simple solution. “We can’t wave a magic wand to fix everything,” she admits. “But we can work alongside students and families to navigate challenges and find a way forward.” Her solution-focused approach emphasizes resilience. “Life is hard, but we can do hard things,” she tells her students. Through restorative chats, Megan helps students and even adults resolve conflicts, fostering communication and understanding. “The goal is to repair relationships, not just move past the issue.”

Megan’s dedication to inclusivity shines in her efforts to make every student feel seen and valued. One of her signature programs is “Lunch Bunch,” where she meets with every student in the building by the end of September. “It’s a chance to check in, build relationships, and let them know where to find me,” she explains. Her office, a cozy space decorated with personal touches, has become a haven for students. “They act like it’s Walt Disney World,” she says with a smile. “It’s a safe space where they can be themselves.”

Beyond one-on-one interactions, Megan collaborates with teachers to deliver CharacterStrong, a research-based curriculum that focuses on social-emotional learning and character development. Each month, the school highlights a specific trait, like gratitude or kindness, culminating in a celebration where teachers nominate students who exemplify those values. “The kids get bracelets, a VIP lunch, and the chance to join the Student Leadership Team,” Megan shares. “It’s a way to recognize their efforts and help them contribute to our school and community.”

Megan’s ability to balance compassion with pragmatism is what makes her such a vital presence at Monmouth-Roseville. While she recognizes the value of resilience, she also understands the importance of providing students with the tools to navigate life’s challenges. “Some people think kids should just ‘toughen up,’ but that approach stunts learning,” she explains. “We need to help them process what happened, understand their emotions, and build the skills to face future challenges.”

The pandemic underscored the importance of Megan’s work, as students and parents alike struggled with isolation and uncertainty. “We can’t pretend it didn’t happen,” she says. “But we also can’t use it as an excuse. My focus has been on rebuilding relationships and providing a sense of normalcy.”

As Megan reflects on her career, she feels fortunate to work in a district that supports her initiatives and values the role of counseling. “I’ve got a pretty great gig,” she says. “It’s not just about being a cheerleader—it’s about being a safe place where kids can be authentic and grow.”

Every day is an opportunity to make a difference. Megan’s work is a reminder that the heart of education lies not just in academics but in the relationships that help students thrive.