Coleen Van Dreal is a school counselor at Roberts High School @ Chemeketa, Salem-Keizer Public School’s alternative high school.  She serves as an advocate, academic and vocational counselor, and mental health support for at-risk, marginalized students who have not found success or necessary personalized resources in traditional, comprehensive high school settings.

 

With over two decades of experience in the field of mental health and school counseling, she coaches and guides her students as they work toward credit recovery, graduation, and the development of a successful post-high school education or vocational plan.

 

As a mental health crisis responder, Coleen was a member of the Mid-Valley Student Threat Assessment Team from 2001 to 2002. She currently serves as a representative for alternative education on the Marion County Threat Advisory Team. Most recently, Coleen’s has become an advocate for the implementation of restorative practices within the schools. Finally, Coleen is a co-author on the book, Preventing Youth Violence: The Pathway Back through Inclusion and Connection (released in March of 2022).

 

When she’s not working, Coleen enjoys spending time with her family, reading a good book, drinking bubbles and wine, and enjoying happy hour with her husband, John.