Amity Counseling Program

HELLO! My Name is Taylor Denko and I am the SCHOOL COUNSELOR here at Amity Elementary.

I love getting to work with every student here at Amity. I am committed to children's mental health and love helping kids succeed and access their full potential here at school.

I am from Seattle, Washington.  I went to Boise State University for my undergrad and eventually made my way back to Boise as my home bringing my family along this time. When I am not at school I love spending time with my family.  I love to enjoy family time out and about, enjoying restaurants with family and friends, watching sports  and spending time with my sweet dog named Buster (yes after Mr. Bronco himself).

Here at Amity I have the pleasure of teaching lessons to each grade level covering topics like self esteem, positive friendships and conflict resolution, self control, resiliency, organization and goal setting, celebrating each other and our differences, how our brain works, coping skills and support systems, career exploration and a myriad of safety topics.

I also get to work in small groups that are topic specific and 1:1 solution focused check ins with students and working with kids on problem solving with peers. 

I have my Masters in Social Work and have worked as a community based therapist, a hospital behavioral health navigator and in schools as a behavior support specialist as well as 7 years experience as a counselor in a school setting.

Counselor in the Classroom is a time when I enter the students' classroom to teach Counselor Lessons; these lessons help students understand themselves and others.  I am in your student’s classroom teaching guidance lessons at least every other week.  Lessons are on subjects such as academic success, personal and social success, safe choices, and future planning.  

I teach 14-16 lesson in each classroom during the school year.

• Kindergarten, first, second and third graders begin the school year focused on conflict resolution using Kelso’s Choices, defining big and small problems and identifying safe adults to go to when the problem is BIG.
• Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students also begin the school year focused on conflict resolution with a review of Kelso’s Choices and then learn more about rude, mean and bullying behavior.
• All studdents will learn about safe and healthy choices with lesson that focus on identifying safe adults, tricky people, medicine and drug safety and risky behaviors.
• Students will also work building their academic skills and future planning by practicing listening skills, identify their own skills and interests and look at different career choices. 

• If You Are in Need of Immediate Support

  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 Available 24/7

  • Mobile Crisis Support: Call 208-334-0808 Available 24/7

• Free counseling for all students and their families: 

  • Offered by BPA Health Student and Family Assistance Program: Call 833-935-3816 for 5 free counseling sessions for all students, their caregivers, and siblings. Learn more online at BPA Health.

• Contact me for a list of community mental health resources 

• Those that are experiencing housing insecurity please reach out and we can discuss the Mckinney Vinto program and other community resources

• If your family is in need of food assistance please reach out as we have programs available on a first come first serve basis

• If your family is in need of school clothing or warm winter clothes please reach out