Our school counselors focus on academic, career, and personal development to ensure that every student benefits from a program that is comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, and developmental in nature. Here you will find helpful school counseling resources for your Martinsburg South Middle student and your family!

Julie Stark, 7th Grade & 8th Grade (A-L)

(304) 267-3545

julie.stark@k12.wv.us

Hi! My name is Julie Stark, and I am the full-time counselor at Martinsburg South Middle School.  This is my 2nd year at South Middle and I love it here.  I look forward to another great year working with staff, students, families and the community, in whatever capacity I can be of service to you and your family.  Last year was challenging for everyone involved, but I am optimistic this year will be great.  There will undoubtedly be challenges, as there are every year, so I ask for everyone's patience and support as we jump back into this new school year! I hope everyone can try to keep a positive attitude and work towards what is best for each individual student and family, as everyone's needs/desires may be different.

I grew up in Shepherdstown, WV and went to college at Towson University and West Virginia University.  Then, I attended graduate school at Loyola University and graduated with a master's degree in clinical psychology.  I worked in Maryland at a maximum security prison for about 12 years as a psychology associate, conducting psychological testing, as well as individual and group counseling, with adolescents and adults.  In 2009, we moved to West Virginia to be closer to family, as we raised our two daughters.  My husband changed careers and entered the Berkeley County School system and I eventually went back to school to obtain my master's degree in school counseling, so I could also be in the Berkeley County School system.

Please feel free to contact me to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Natalia Rhoe, 6th Grade & 8th Grade (M-Z)

(304) 267-3545

natalia.rhoe@k12.wv.us

Howdy!  My name is Mrs. Rhoe, and I am excited to help you during your time here at South Middle School.  This will be my second year as a middle school counselor, and I hope to have a positive impact on you and your family.

Prior to coming to South Middle, I was a high school counselor at Hedgesville High and Spring Mills High for seven years.  I took two years off to focus on my growing family and work with adolescents in a clinical setting.  I spent the past two years counseling adolescents and their families as part of the Berkeley County Juvenile Drug Court Program, and the experience has been both challenging and extremely rewarding.  I missed working with students in the school setting, so I decided to come back part-time for the 2021-2022 school year.  Some of the things I bring with me are a strong background in college and career readiness, and individual and small group counseling. 

In addition to spending time with my husband and two daughters, I enjoy reading, walking, hiking, and volunteering at my church.  I look forward to meeting each and everyone of you this year!

Brooke Dice, Communities in Schools (CIS) Coordinator

(304) 267-3545

brooke.dice@k12.wv.us

My name is Ms. Dice and I am the Communities in Schools Site Coordinator for South Middle. My role in the Counseling Center is to help students and families to have a successful school year regardless of any obstacles that may be thrown their way. This is done by taking advantage of resources in the community that people may not know about or have access to without the help of someone that does. My goal is to give every South student the opportunity to reach their greatest potential that I know they are all capable of achieving! 

 Degrees & Certifications:

Bachelor's in Psychology & Sociology

Colleen Kocik, School Social Worker

colleen.pope@k12.wv.us

Welcome!  I'm Mrs. Kocik, the school social worker for South Middle School, and I am available Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday.  I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women's Studies from the University of Maine at Orono and my Master of Social Work from West Virginia University.  I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Psychology from Fielding Graduate University.  I have four wonderful children, two who graduated from high school, one who is a sophomore, and one who is in fifth grade.  I enjoy reading, traveling, hiking, kayaking, and trying new things.

I look forward to getting to know you and your students this year.  If you need anything, please feel free to call or email me.

Degrees & License:

Licensed Graduate Social Worker

Master of Social Work, West Virginia University

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Bachelor of Arts, Women's Studies                                                                                                                                                           

Mission Statement

The school counseling program at Martinsburg South Middle is designed to provide a safe, supportive atmosphere where students can attain personal/social, academic and career success through a collaborative partnership with other educators, families, and the community.

We work hand in hand to nurture the physical, emotional, and intellectual dimensions that enhance life-long learning and foster a positive self-esteem that leads to becoming productive members of our community. 

Vision Statement

Martinsburg South Middle students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to maximize their full potential and successfully reach their full potential while managing their lives as healthy, responsible, competent, and productive citizens.

The School Counseling program focuses on the West Virginia Student Success Standards. Students will learn how to increase interpersonal and social skills, refine learning and work.