Michelle Barini joined Concordia International School Hanoi as a High School Counselor in August 2024. She brings over 20 years of experience in education to her role, expanding our High School counseling team to three dedicated counselors. Her professional journey has spanned domestic and international settings, including work in the United States and institutions such as Qatar Academy, Shanghai American School, and NIST International School in Thailand. With a strong educational foundation, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Master of Education (M.Ed.), and has completed work towards a doctoral degree, where her dissertation will focus on transitions. As a military kid who grew up moving, Michelle is well-equipped to understand the challenges students face in similar situations.

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As a school counselor, Michelle is responsible for supporting students' social-emotional and academic learning as well as their career and university exploration, particularly in Grades 11 and 12. She implements a comprehensive school counseling model, which includes teaching wellness seminars for her cohort of students. Michelle was drawn to Concordia because of its faith-based foundation and smaller size, which aligns with her values and previous experiences. Although she has not been at Concordia long, she is proud to be part of a school that emphasizes a high level of wellness and curriculum integration. Her extensive experience and cultural sensitivity make her an invaluable asset to the school community.

Working in the US, Qatar, Shanghai, Thailand, and now Vietnam has provided Michelle with valuable insights into the universal concerns faced by adolescents across different cultures. She recognizes that despite geographical differences, students everywhere share common worries and insecurities about their future and place in the world. This understanding enables her to advocate effectively for her students, focusing on what makes each unique while respecting their cultural backgrounds. Her experiences have taught her that cultural diversity enriches decision-making processes and helps students navigate their roles in the world. Michelle values the diverse beliefs and traditions her students bring to the table, highlighting the importance of family values that transcend cultural boundaries.

Outside of her professional life, Michelle is adjusting to living in Hanoi, finding it a smaller and more intimate setting compared to her previous experiences in Shanghai and Bangkok. Despite the initial adjustments, she has found joy in her interactions with the students, who she describes as fun and always making her laugh. This connection reflects her passion for education and her ability to build strong relationships, which is essential in her role.

Michelle Barini's upbringing as the daughter of two military veterans has significantly influenced her perspective on transitions and adaptability. Growing up, she experienced a number of moves, which taught her the importance of flexibility and openness to new experiences. This background allows her to empathize with students navigating similar challenges, understanding that having a strong support system of faith, family, and friends is crucial for overcoming life's ups and downs.

Growing up with cross-cultural experiences, Michelle's background has shaped her ability to relate to students undergoing cultural transitions. This upbringing instilled in her an innate curiosity about people's lived experiences and a willingness to learn about their backgrounds and traditions. This openness helps her connect with students from various cultural backgrounds, recognizing that despite differences, there are commonalities that unite people across cultures.

Michelle's mixed heritage as a Puerto Rican American also influences her approach to counseling diverse student populations. Her ancestry remains rooted in her daily life through music, history, food, and rituals. This appreciation for cultural diversity allows her to approach counseling with sensitivity and understanding, acknowledging the importance of cultural context in shaping individual experiences and perspectives.

Throughout her career, Michelle has witnessed significant changes in counseling needs. She has transitioned between roles as a comprehensive counselor and a university-focused counselor. Her experience has shown that while the core philosophy around counseling, wellness, and social-emotional learning remains consistent, technology has greatly enhanced counselors' efficiency and access to resources. Michelle benefits from an international network that allows her to stay informed about best practices and leverage diverse perspectives.

Michelle's doctoral work at the University of Illinois, focusing on global education and transitions, has provided her with valuable insights into the challenges students face during periods of change. Initially, her research centered on American-born Chinese students, but she is now thinking of focusing on the transitions of Vietnamese students educated in American-curriculum schools. She emphasizes the importance of effective transition processes, adopting the concept developed by David Pollock & Ruth Van Reken of "leave well to start well," which involves understanding emotions and creating a welcoming environment for students. This approach aligns with the concept of "arrivers, stayers, and leavers," ensuring that students feel grounded and supported.

As part of her role at Concordia, Michelle aims to strengthen the counseling team by complementing her colleagues' strengths, particularly with Grades 11 and 12. Her primary goal is establishing and maintaining a robust transitions program that becomes integral to the school's culture, providing students and staff with a continuum of care and support. This focus on transitions reflects her commitment to helping students navigate life's challenges effectively.

Michelle Barini is committed to engaging with parents and the broader community to support student well-being. In the future, she would like to increase Concordia’s parent programming, such as book clubs or "Coffee with Counselors" sessions, where parents can ask questions and receive guidance. Additionally, she aims to provide educational programs that help parents understand various data and assessment tools, enabling them to make informed decisions about their children's education. However, she acknowledges the challenge of communicating effectively with families who speak multiple languages, emphasizing the need for an international perspective rather than a solely English-centric approach.

Michelle has been an integral part of the counseling team, contributing her expertise to enhance the comprehensive support services offered to students. She finds the most rewarding aspect of her job as a High School Counselor to be witnessing students grow and overcome challenges. Michelle emphasizes the importance of celebrating students' achievements beyond just university admissions, recognizing that they have much more to offer as individuals. 

She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this exceptional community. “The team here is truly outstanding, and the leadership's grounding in faith provides a comforting assurance that decisions are made with the best intentions. What truly sets this place apart is the community itself.” Michelle is proud to be a part of such a supportive environment, where everyone works together to foster growth and excellence. Being part of this community is not just a privilege for her; it is a source of inspiration and motivation that she cherishes deeply.
 

Learn more about Concordia Hanoi's High School Program.