Knightly News

This school year, the counseling team is focusing on safety and how we can look out for one another. To do this, we have identified tools to help our Upper School students stay focused, healthy and balanced.

More than 20 Upper School faculty with a combined 150+ years of experience working with teenagers dedicated time this summer to train with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Amy Carpenter. Carpenter is a certified trauma expert and author of the “Be Strong, Be Wise” book series. She created a program inspired by the series to help 8th – 12th grade students understand more about their role in relationships, what their personal boundaries are, how to communicate those boundaries and how to identify and respond to risk. After training with Carpenter, Episcopal faculty developed a program inspired by Be Strong, Be Wise but personalized to meet the needs of our students.

The Episcopal mission is to educate the whole child and prepare them for college and purposeful lives. The tremendous academic preparation they receive is only part of that effort. Empowering them to be safe is also important. Be Strong, Be Wise sessions are offered monthly in Upper School during community time. Discussion topics include safety risks, preventive measures, college preparedness, healthy boundaries, cyber safety and safe dating practices. In addition to Be Strong, Be Wise sessions, we have developed a quarterly speaker series to bring in experts to speak with students and parents. These guests will speak with K-12 parents and students if the topic is age appropriate.  

Our counseling team and administrators have used careful consideration, sensitivity and respect for parents and students in developing these offerings. The response from our Upper School faculty has been commendable. Their commitment to training and learning says a lot about how much they care about our students. The information they learned this summer informs them regarding the challenges facing today’s teens and how they can support students in the classroom.

As you know, teens and young adults face unique challenges. As a UKNIGHTED community supporting our Upper School students and preparing them for the future, we are setting them up for success in the future. I invite you to contact me if you have any questions about our efforts, and I hope to see you at an upcoming speaker series session.

October 10th

Lunch & Learn for Parents with Dr. Beau Clark
Topic: Substance Abuse

October 13th

Presentation to Upper School students by Dr. Beau Clark
Topic: Substance Abuse

November 3rd

Presentation to Upper School students by McCall Dempsey
Topic: Body Image

Date: TBA

Virtual presentation for parents by McCall Dempsey
Topic: Body Image

Look for presentations later this school year regarding cyber safety and mental health.

Kristen Wilcox, MSW, LMSW

As the Upper School Counselor, Kristen Wilcox, MSW, LMSW plays a key role in the Upper School division. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University. Wilcox has worked as a social worker at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospice and The Carpenter House. Most recently, Wilcox provided counseling services for teens, young adults, adults and family members through Cancer Services of Baton Rouge. While at Cancer Services, she facilitated seven support groups and managed casework needs for all clients and family members through cancer treatment and bereavement. Wilcox is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools.

Additional resources for students:

Crisis Teen Text: 833-898-8336            

Resource Portal: www.vialink.org

Anonymous Episcopal Portal: Speak Up

Read more about Episcopal Counseling and Support Services here.

Who is Amy Carpenter?

Amy Carpenter has more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice responding to survivors of assault. A former school counselor, she is the founder of several youth organizations. She has been featured on CBS, NBC, ABC and USA Today. Carpenter created the “Be Strong, Be Wise” program based on her book series by the same name.

Who are the Episcopal counselors?

The Episcopal counseling team provides a range of support services for students and families each year. Click here to learn more about the team, which includes Alicia Kelly, LPC-S, Megan Lofland, LPC, Laura Portwood, Robin Talamo, LCSW and Kristen Wilcox, MSW, LMSW.

To learn more about “Be Strong, Be Wise,” click here.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.