Counseling & Support

Our school counselors are available to provide support for iSucceed students regarding course selection, academic goals, social/emotional concerns and graduation plans. See below for additional community resources.

 

iSucceed Students – we encourage you to check out the iSucceed Counseling Department website for more detailed information and resources!

Our Counselors

Karen Lesh

School Counselor, HS

Advanced Opportunities Coordinator, Homeless Liaison
A little bit about Ms. Lesh:
I am so happy that you found your way to our Counseling page! We have fantastic resources for you and hope you find them useful. I am delighted to be back this year in this fantastic community! I truly enjoy working with students and families as we navigate through this journey of high school. This journey is not just about scheduling and graduation, it is about challenges, growth, and opportunity. All staff at iSVHS are here to support, guide and challenge you. My primary responsibilities include promoting the academic, social, and personal development of our students. I thank you for your partnership.
I moved here from Washington DC several years ago, after twenty years of traveling to Idaho for summer fun in the Mountains. I have three super fun boys and am usually followed around by a giant dog! My older two are graduates of iSucceed and are students at BSU. The youngest is a senior at iSVHS and juggles academics with his national athlete competitions. We all enjoy hiking the foothills, skiing at Tamarack, biking the Greenbelt, floating the Payette, and for me, playing on my paddleboard at Kelly’s water park or rollerblading fast around town!
I have many years of experience working and volunteering in schools as a mentor, counselor, and resource teacher. It is a privilege to be in the counseling field and I look forward to getting to know you and your families!

Crystal Sistoni

School Counselor, HS

SAT/College Board Coordinator, Safe Schools
A little bit about Ms. Sistoni:
I have been a school counselor at iSucceed since 2013. I am grateful that I get the opportunity to help support students, their families, and staff. My career working as a school counselor truly fulfills my passion of helping others. I absolutely love collaborating with students and helping them reach their goals. Being a part of their high school journey makes my heart happy. My primary responsibilities include promoting the academic, social, and the personal development of all students. I am here to help support YOU!
In my personal time I can be found on the rivers whitewater rafting, enjoying a soak in a natural hot spring, camping, hiking, adventuring in nature and traveling. My family and I love to explore new places. Music is also a big part of my world. I have three amazing children and a wonderful and supportive husband. I love to surround myself with my family and friends.

Kristie Robertson

School Counselor, HS

504 Coordination
A little bit about Ms. Robertson:
I am so excited to be a part of the iSucceed team and to have the opportunity to work with all of you. I have been in education for 23 years as a Middle School teacher and School Counselor and I absolutely love it! My focus as a school counselor is to do everything I can to help students and families plan, problem solve, and navigate their way through high school.
I have been married for 22 years, have 3 amazing kids, and 2 very cute dogs. We just moved to Idaho from California this summer and so far all we wonder is why we didn't move here sooner! We are enjoying finding all the best walking trails and meeting new people. In my free time, you will find me with my family or reading.

Kim Tomkinson

School Counselor, HS

Middle School academic counseling, College and Career Exploration/Coordinator
A little bit about Ms. Tomkinson
I have been an educator for 23 years and have worked at a variety of levels of education, from second graders to college seniors. Apart from teaching, some of my time has been spent helping students as they explore college and career options and discovering the possibilities, so if you’re wondering about college or career training, I am here to help. I have a passion for learning and assisting students as they work to reach their goals. In addition to college and career advising, I teach English Language Arts and am bilingual and certified to teach Spanish too.
I’m a native Idahoan and love our great state and all it has to offer. The outdoors is one of my favorite places to be so I take every opportunity I can to enjoy nature and appreciate its beauty. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, gardening, cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with family.

Community Support & Resources

Community Resources

Local District Homeless Liaison
Karen Lesh: [email protected], 208-375-3116 x111

Ada & Canyon County Rescue Manual:
http://www.selfrescuemanual.com/

Eastern Idaho Community Resources:
http://www.eicap.org/

North Idaho United Way Community Directory:
https://www.uwnorthidaho.org

Sliding Scale Medical Care: 
http://www.trhs.org/

Central District Health: 
http://www.trhs.org/

Food Assistance: 
http://www.trhs.org/

COVID 19 Assistance: 
http://www.idaholegalaid.org

Idaho Care Line 2-1-1: 
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/211http://www.trhs.org/

Recommended Books

Student in counseling

Parenting Resources

Tough Love A non-profit organization dedicated to providing ongoing education and support through empowering parents and youth to accept responsibility for their actions.

Because I Love You BILY, a non-profit organization that provides support for parents with troubled children of any age.

Family Education Parenting information on raising teens, family challenges and discipline.

Idaho Care Line 2-1-1 A free, statewide community information and referral service.

High School Seniors Resources

Next Steps Idaho

Whether you’ve got your sights set on a four-year college, community college, a career technical program, or the military, we’re here to help. Find more information about your Next Steps here: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/

Scholarship & Grant Information

Career Resources

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook This is nationally recognized guide that is updated every two years and can help assist you in making decisions about your future career.
  • Next Steps Idaho An initiative of the State Board of Education in partnership with Idaho’s employers, Next Steps Idaho is designed to help you understand and pursue the many education and career opportunities available to you.
  • O*NET OnLine – Tool for career exploration and analysis
Man working in wood shop

Senior To-Do List

Fall
(September-November)

  • Start your senior year by finalizing your college list.
  • Now that you have an idea of where you want to go, visit prospective colleges and get a feel for the campuses.
  • Consider options for early action and your recommendation letters.
  • Register for required tests, it’s your last chance to take the SAT, ACT, or SAT subject tests!
  • Fill out and complete your college applications before the deadlines arrive.
  • Make an appointment with your school counselor to ensure all your colleges get what they need.
  • Start working on your college application essay; it’s a crucial part of your application.
  • Explore your prospective schools’ financial aid requirements to plan your college budget.

Winter
(December-February)

  • Schedule your college interviews to finish up the admissions process.
  • Complete your FAFSA so you can get the most possible financial assistance for college.
  • Cross everything off this post-application checklist.
  • Continue your hunt for scholarships and apply for scholarships.

Spring
(March-May)

  • Once you’ve received all of your responses from colleges, make your final decision!
  • Verify your financial aid before you make any college budget decisions.
  • Follow our last admissions checklist: Send your final transcripts to your college and meet housing deadlines.
  • Prepare for your AP exams and complete your AP tests before summer.
  • Cross everything off your graduation checklist and graduate!

Summer
(June-August)

  • Start your last ever high school summer job.
  • Attend your college’s summer orientation to get the lay of the land before school starts.
  • Apply for student housing and get matched with a great roommate.
  • There’s no time to waste, being preparing for your college coursework now.
  • Get ready for a new world of student organizations, on-campus living, and college life by learning more about what your school has to offer.