Welcome to another school year! My name is Mrs. Leslie Henslin.   The kids refer to me as Ms. Leslie.

This will be my fourth year at St. Mary’s School.  I wear many hats throughout the day and enjoy helping in anyway I can.  I am primarily paraprofessional for any students or grade needed.  This may be working individually with a student or the class in general for core subjects such as math and reading.  I also have the title of ‘student resource’.  I am available to students who are needing a little break, need help processing something that happened, need an opportunity to talk, or learn coping skills.  I also provide monthly lessons in each classroom on different mental health topics or skills.  Students will also find me in the lunchroom or even subbing in their classroom as I am a certified substitute teacher! I love that I get to interact with each and every student in different ways throughout the school day.

More about me-  I live in Bird Island with my husband, three children, and our dog, Daisy.  My two boys are also students at St. Mary’s.  My daughter attends Nolan’ Place in Willmar.  I graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU).  I then earned my Master’s degree in Community Counseling from MSU.  I interned one year with a LICSW gaining experience in private practice counseling setting.  After graduating, I worked 9 years as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager in the County setting.  I gained many skills in working with a variety of parents and children in many different walks of life.

My role is to support and guide students through hurdles that are getting in the way of them being the best students they can be.  If there are issues that arise and concerns for students, I will be reaching out to parents to assist and may encourage added support through community resources.  Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to reach out to your child or if there are concerns that you would like me to be aware.