PHS mental health counselors plan RISE initiative

This year, the three mental health counselors at PHS — Bethzayda Matos, Michelle Simborski, and Ryan Stingel — have rebranded the Student Assistance Program from last year to Resilience, Intervention, Support, and Empowerment (RISE), which will consist of confidential counseling services, classroom visits, and evening events centered on topics such as depression or substance abuse.

“There’s a lot of pressure here at PHS, and the school district saw a rise in numbers of students coming to see counselors for anxiety, depression, stress related concerns. And so the district, being very proactive, wanted to build a comprehensive mental health program for students and families,” said Simborski.

In 2022, the district conducted a survey that revealed stark disparities about how different racial demographic groups felt about belonging, safety, and support in PHS. Though 56 percent of PHS students overall said they felt like the school was a welcoming and safe space to be, only 28 percent of Hispanic students felt that way. Further, only 44.2 percent of PHS students overall agreed with the statement “when something is really bothering me, there is at least one adult that I can go to and talk about the problem.”

“I think that the difference in the percentages ... and feelings come from a space of maybe not understanding the support that is available,” said Matos. “If you don’t know what’s available, then you’re not going to seek it.”

Through introducing herself in classrooms, interacting in the hallways, and having consultation meetings with students, Matos hopes to make them aware of the available support and close that gap. Given that she is the only Spanish-speaking counselor in PHS, Matos regularly visits English Language Learning classrooms to educate students about mental health and the numerous resources that the school provides.

Matos says that last year, she and Simborski saw an average of 90 students a week. However, she also noted that the amount of risk assessments decreased from the year prior.

“There’s no shame in seeking support. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of resilience,” said Matos. “We are here to support each and every student however we can, but we don’t know what you do or what you need, unless you come to us for assistance.”

Ryan Stingel, who joined PHS as a mental health counselor earlier this year, is also the advisor of the Lock In Club, which is dedicated to helping students learn mental techniques to perform better under pressure and regulate emotions.

“I think for a lot of high schoolers who are motivated, hard working and want to do their best, it can be frustrating if you’re able to do something in practice, but you’re not able to replicate it or do it as well in in the test room or on stage or whenever it matters,” said Daniel Haiduc ’26, leader of Lock In Club.

Throughout his meetings with students, whether as their club advisor, during oneon-one meetings, or through the classroom, Stingel strives to relay one core message to all students.

“I hope that every person that reads this takes away the message ... that no matter who you are, you deserve to feel comfortable being you,” said Stingel. “You deserve to feel comfortable living in your own skin