Hello, my name is Abby Whalen and I am one of the counselors at the PreK-4 campus! For the 2022-2023 school year my caseload is all 3rd grade students, as well as kindergarten students in Ms. Venegas and Ms. Yakovlev's classes. I am job sharing with Sheryl Kuznia, who is working with 2nd grade students this year. Emily Spofford is the counselor for 1st grade, 4th grade, and the kindergarten students in Ms. Brown and Ms. Mellstrom's classes.

I started at Farnsworth in 2017 and am so happy to be part of such a wonderful learning community. I discovered my passion for working with students as a summer camp counselor and AmeriCorps volunteer, and now love being a school counselor! I feel lucky to have a job where I get to both teach and learn something new every day. When I am not at school I like to bike, cook, and spend time with my family.

About My Role

As a school counselor I support the social/emotional, academic, and college/career needs of students at Farnsworth. I do this primarily through classroom lessons, but offer small groups and individual student meetings as well. My role is guided by the framework and standards of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). 

With the implementation of Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) in Saint Paul, I have a special focus on the college and career readiness portion of my job. Elementary school is not too early to start planning for postsecondary education and future careers! The SPPS Counseling Department goal is "100% of SPPS students will graduate with the skills necessary to access their college and/or career aspirations," and that starts in elementary school!

Mission & Vision

Vision: As Farnsworth Aerospace PreK-4 students graduate from high school, they will feel valued, respected, and celebrated for the diversity of talents, gifts, backgrounds, and cultures they bring to the community; will be collaborative and curious critical thinkers in literacy and STEAM; and will have the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century and a plan for their future postsecondary and career paths.

Mission: The Farnsworth Aerospace PreK-4 School Counseling Program will support the academic, social/emotional, and college/career development of students through comprehensive, data-driven, and culturally relevant services that promote equity, access, and success for all students, in order that they will grow to be lifelong learners and productive citizens that pursue their dreams and change the world.

SPPS District School Counseling

School counselors play an important role in schools across the district. Click here to learn more about the values, mission, and vision of St. Paul Public Schools' Counseling Department.

Contact Information

I am always happy to talk with families about the work that I do or any concerns they may have about their student(s). Please feel free to contact me by phone at (612) 564-9265 or by email at abigail.whalen@spps.org. I look forward to being a part of the awesome learning that happens every day at Farnsworth!

If there is an emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room.