Erin Taubman replaces former lead counselor Kari Olsen, now director of student services at Langston Hughes, and takes charge of students with last names Lao–Moi of at South Lakes.

Taubman officially started working full time on Nov. 14 after working part time since Oct. 29. She enjoys cooking, hiking, camping and spending time with her dog. Previously an elementary ESOL Teacher, Taubman became a counselor when she observed that many of her students were experiencing issues at home.

“I decided that I wanted to focus more on those social and emotional issues rather than helping them academically” Taubman said.

Taubman believes being a counselor is about helping the students to succeed and enjoys the moral benefits of helping them to do so.

“It’s less about me and more about the students,” Taubman said. “Besides the good feeling it [counseling] gives me and that intrinsic fulfillment, [it’s] just knowing that their lives are at least a little bit better far after I am gone.”

Taubman did her counseling internship at Langley High School in the 2011-2012 school year and had a part time counseling position at Bryant Alternative High School leading up to her highly anticipated job at South Lakes.

“I love being at South Lakes,” said Taubman.  I love the students, and the staff and the whole school.  It’s so wonderful, a wonderful place to be.  I want this to be my forever job”