Meet CCA’s New Counselor
CCA is excited to welcome our new Social and Emotional Counselor, Rachel Armstrong, LPC! Rachel is a native Texan and was raised in Colleyville. She attended CCA from Kindergarten to 12th grade. While attending CCA, Rachel played volleyball and soccer. She also met her husband-to-be, Frank Armstrong. Rachel will be a huge blessing to CCA! You can get to know her more by reading the interview below.
Tell us about yourself.
I am passionate about people and relationships, with much of my professional experience in psychology, counseling, and education. Upon graduation from CCA in 2007, I went to Baylor University and earned my degree in psychology and business administration (Sic ‘em Bears!). I married my high school sweetheart soon after graduation from Baylor, and we set our roots in DFW. I spent the next few years at Dallas Theological Seminary, receiving my master’s degree in biblical counseling.
For the next seven years, I was privileged to focus on my passion for helping others and my counseling skills at His Story Coaching and Counseling in Grapevine. My transition into the world of education was a gift from God 3 years ago when I became the Upper School Counselor at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison. Getting to support and guide students through life’s challenges in this new environment felt like all the gifts the Lord had given me were colliding into one.
Along this journey, my husband and I have shared our biggest accomplishment and gift: our four boys, whom the Lord entrusted to us: Cooper (3rd), Landon (2nd), Jackson (PK4), and Henry.
What was your first job?
My first post-college job was at a computer security and identity management company. I learned so much, worked with some great people, and learned how important it was to have fun at work (aka getting grown adults to dress up like Chick-fil-A cows for some free food!).
Why did you choose counseling as a career?
Ever since high school, I have known the one thing I loved doing was building relationships with people. Majoring in psychology and studying the human mind and behavior seemed like a fun and natural offshoot of that passion. While I was at Baylor, I had one seemingly random conversation with someone who told me they were going to get a master’s degree in counseling after graduation, and the lightbulb went off – that’s what I wanted to do!
Who had the biggest impact on your career choice?
Truly, I think it was the Lord and His gentle prompts, prodding, conversations, and people He has put in my path that have led me to the career I’m in today.
What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of?
Leaving the private practice world and jumping into education three years ago was the biggest leap of faith and professional highlight that I’m most proud of. The biggest gift is getting to do what I’m passionate about while also getting to be a part of my children’s daily lives.
What do you love about CCA?
The thing I love most about CCA is the relationships it brought me. My sister and I both met our husbands at CCA, and my MIL was even my English teacher! I have countless irreplaceable friends from my time there, and I still talk to them. That is a special thing that doesn’t always happen.
What is your favorite CCA tradition?
My favorite CCA tradition is the robing ceremony at senior dinner the night before graduation. Getting to choose someone monumental in your life to robe you, and then getting to tell them publicly what they mean to you, is a unique gift.
What is the one thing you wish parents knew?
I wish parents knew the importance of maintaining open and honest communication with their children. If parents can create a safe and supportive environment at home where their children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and challenges, they are going to set them up for success as adults.
What is the one thing you wish students knew?
This one is hard—I feel like there are a few! One would be that it’s okay to reach out for help, whether academic, emotional, or social. Being able to ask for help is a positive and often courageous step toward health and growth.
What do you think is the number one challenge parents face in raising this next generation?
I think the number one challenge is time.
What’s your favorite quote from a TV show/movie/book?
“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” Rafiki, The Lion King
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Iced coffee!
What is your definition of success?
At the end of the day success for me comes down to my family. Is our home an environment where everyone can thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually? If when my children graduate and leave the house I can say we did our best to guide them to hear and learn about Jesus, teach them how to be strong men of God who love and serve others, then I would feel successful.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
My husband has a way of making anything we do as a family fun. One of our favorite things to do is probably adventure walks through the Colleyville Nature Center!
What is your favorite book of all time?
I don’t think I have a favorite of all time. I read a lot of books so there are a handful that stand out in different seasons. One that I have read in the last few years that I think about often is Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. I’m also in the middle of The Anxious Generation right now which I can already tell will be top of my list.
Rachel, we are excited to welcome you back to the CCA community. May God bless you, keep you, and make His face shine upon you!
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