iGrad counselors are available to help you:

• Make an academic plan and manage your time.

• Address personal, social, and emotional concerns.

• Create a plan to reach personal goals.

• Find community resources for food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and more.

• Plan and prepare for life after high school and a career.

• Set healthy boundaries and regulate emotions.

Counselors are assigned according to the student’s last name.

• Last name A-L: Brian Upchurch, Brian.Upchurch@kent.k12.wa.us

• Last name M-Z: Janine Weber, Janine.Weber@kent.k12.wa.us

Free & Confidential Counseling for All iGrad Students

We are here to support you.

• Free (medical insurance is not required).

• Available to all iGrad students.

• Completely confidential.

For referrals, contact Samson Tekle at (253) 373-7969 or Samson.Tekle@kent.k12.wa.us.

In addition to our school counselors, iGrad has many other ways to support students:

Samson Tekle, Social Worker

Phone: (253) 373-7969

Email: Samson.tekle@kent.k12.wa.us

Hours:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

• Tuesdays: 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

I graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. A year later, I returned to EWU to complete my Master’s degree in School Social Work. After college, I was hired by Green River Community College as the iGrad GED Case Manager, where I was able to help students achieve their short-term goals and plan for their future. During my free time I like to play sports, travel, and try new things. The furthest I’ve ever traveled was East Africa, which was actually a really great experience. I plan on traveling to South America next.

How I can help:

• Personal goals and action steps

• Weekly planning and time management

• Community resources (i.e. housing, food, clothing, health care, parenting programs, child care, etc.)

• LGBTQ support (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning support)

• Resume writing, cover letter writing, and job applications

• Internship opportunities

Miski Ugas, Northwest Education Access (NWEA)

Phone: (206) 929-1777 

Email: miski@nweducationaccess.org

Hours: Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Art's degree in Sociology. I'm a new addition to Seattle Education Access and I am excited to be here are iGrad. In my free time, I play guitar and write music.

How NWEA can help:

• Explore different college degrees, certificates, and programs.

• Create an individualized transition plan for after iGrad.

• Assistance in applying to colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeships.

• Help with financial aid & scholarships for both US citizens and undocumented students.

• Support throughout the entire post-high school process. I can still work with students after they leave iGrad.