Counselor's Corner

Contact Information:

Mary Dowski

208-468-2808 ext. 3323

208-346-7820 (Parent Square, non-emergency)

Welcome to NOVA's school counselor's website page!

 

I have been a "helper" all of my life. Growing up in western New York, 4-H programs and soccer were my thing! I mentored peers in both activities and also taught adults how to handle their dogs for dog shows. Graduating high school as a junior, I went to an 18 month business school for Business Accounting and Computer Programming (when computers were the size of a small refrigerator). Afterwards, I couldn't see myself in an "office" career and continued on to Buffalo State College and graduated with my Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Special Education. While substitute teaching, I also began working with adults with developmental disabilities in group homes. Soon, I was managing group homes and supported apartments. I moved west and lived for 18 months in Casa Grande, AZ managing group homes for people with developmental disabilities. I then moved to Nampa, Idaho and in 1999, I went back to school for my Master's in Education: School Counseling at NNU and before graduating in 2002, began working for the Nampa School District as an elementary school counselor. Before leaving NSD in 2014, I spent two years as a high school counselor at Nampa High School. I then spent the next 7 years at a K-12 charter school. During this time, I continued my education and achieved an Education Specialist (Principal) degree and PhD in Educational Leadership from NNU; as well as, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. I returned to the Nampa School District in 2021 to NOVA! I am thrilled to be here!!!

 

I adore learning and am currently finishing a certification for Animal Assisted Therapy. 

 

I love to assist in supporting students with personal/social, academic, and career topics that lead them to achieving their goals and dreams and living fulfilling lives during their school years and after graduating high school! When life brings road blocks to one's goals, I am here to support students through those roadblocks, finding the individual pathway that will lead them into adulthood. I invite students and parents to reach out to me with any questions via email, text, phone call, or TEAMS. I believe in the whole child approach with a community support model to assist our children through their educational years. 

 

When not working, I enjoy my small farm with a menagerie of animals including: dogs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, a miniature donkey to protect the sheep, and two ponies from Idaho Rescue. I show my dogs in many activities including AKC conformation, obedience, and rally events; as well as carting and herding. I have been a judge of AKC junior showmanship for over 30 years enjoying evaluating the teamwork between children and their dogs. I also judge carting tests that take me throughout the U.S. I love to explore Idaho and hike with my dogs. At home when I am not out fighting weeds or caring for the animals, I enjoy relaxing by watching movies, reading, and completing puzzles.