Welcome
Greetings and welcome to Dinwiddie Elementary School’s Counseling Corner! My name is Dr. Cynthia Bratcher-Riddick and this is my first school year with Dinwiddie County Public Schools. Yes, I am new to DES, however, I have been in the field of education for over twenty years. During the course of our students’ educational journey, I will encourage them daily, provide academic support along with social emotional strategies as they navigate their course in life. Our students will also be introduced to career opportunities across the country and abroad.
Contact Information
Email: cbratcher-riddick@dcpsnet.org
Phone: (804)-469-4580
About Me
- I am honored to be the Professional School Counselor at Dinwiddie Elementary School. It is my pleasure to work in partnership, flourish, learn, celebrate small victories and milestones with my new family at DES.
- Education was not the first choice for my career path. Actually, I wanted to be a Photojournalist or a lawyer. Growing up in the Hampton Roads area, I was great at defending myself and using the law as the basis to prove my point. I earned my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology and my Masters of Arts Degree in Counseling and Education from Norfolk State University. Then, I earned my doctoral degree from Argosy University in Phoenix, Arizona.
- I enjoy traveling, spending time with family/friends and experiencing new things everyday!
School Counseling Service Programs
Classroom Guidance Lessons
Classroom guidance lessons are preventative in nature, designed to reach all students, and are taught in the library by the counselor. All students participate in these lessons every 3 weeks. Topics include, but are not limited to: responsibility, honesty, empathy/compassion, perseverance, self-discipline/integrity, bullying, emotional regulation, career exploration, etc.
Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling provides a safe setting where children, along with their peers, can increase their self-awareness and improve their cooperation and communication skills. Students can learn from each other. Ultimately, the goal of small group counseling is to prevent problems in the future by teaching children new strategies. Topics include, but are not limited to: friendship and social skills, self-esteem, anger management, divorce, new student transitions, etc.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling services are available to all students. It is mostly utilized when a student’s educational success is being impacted or issues arise with the child. Topics include, but are not limited to: emotions, self-esteem, family changes, grief, school attendance, etc.
While school counselors cannot provide on-going sessions, it may be appropriate for a student to receive short-term individual one-on-one time. When more attention and intervention is required, school counselors can provide referrals for parents to access counseling services within the community.
Community Resources
Department of Children’s Services: 804-469-5391
District 19 Crisis Hotline: 804-862-8000
Department of Social Services: 804-469-4524
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
Dinwiddie Food Bank: 804-712-0190
Western Heights Baptist Church Clothes Closet: 804-733-8172
Salvation Army: 804-732-844
Family Resources
Full Circle of Grief
A local place to help children and families with loss.
http://www.fullcirclegc.org/
Comfort Zone Camp
A nonprofit bereavement organization to help children with loss.
https://www.comfortzonecamp.org/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
https://militarybenefits.info
Student Resources
There is a school counseling form available for students to fill in.
School Counseling Request Form
Virginia Career View-Help your child explore the many career possibilities through games and videos on Virginia career view.
http://vacareerview.org/
Mind Yeti-Teaches mindfulness, growth mindset, and relaxation techniques.
https://mindyeti.com
Military Kids Connect
https://militarykidsconnect.dcoe.mil/