Hello! My name is Lauren Panek (pronounced Pon-eck) and I am the 8th grade counselor. This will be my 3rd year at Belmont Ridge Middle School and I am excited for the opportunity to work with you all! With over 9 years of experience working with children and adolescents, I am passionate about advocating for student needs through stakeholder engagement and providing an equitable, safe school environment for all students. 

I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from James Madison University and my Master's degree in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia. I am originally from central New Jersey. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, exercising, traveling, and watching sports- Go Packers and Nats!!

I look forward to working with you and your child(ren) this year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

Suicide prevention:   https://www.lcps.org/Page/220727

Crisis Intervention:   https://www.lcps.org/Page/173963

Mental Health:         https://www.lcps.org/Page/171117