When it comes to professional counseling services, Valerie Kaplansky has set the bar extremely high. Her warm, and caring approach has positively contributed to the transformation of many students who have struggled with social, emotional, and environmental issues. I have referred many students and families to Valerie over the years and have been very impressed with not only her therapeutic knowledge, but her natural ability to establish healthy relationships with struggling adolescents. Valerie provides a level of security, trust, and compassion that encourages children to identify their feelings and recognize their self-defeating and destructive behavior patterns. She works collaboratively with parents and children to develop healthy coping mechanisms, strengthen their self-concept, and improve their interpersonal relationships.