Sitzman joins Gehlen Catholic staff

Lisa Sitzman

There's a new face in the halls of Gehlen Catholic Elementary School.

Lisa Sitzman began her work as elementary guidance counselor in early December.

Sitzman has been meeting with teachers and Elementary Principal Lorie Nussbaum to learn the specific needs of the elementary classes and individual students.

"I will be going into the classrooms and conduct guidance lessons on issues such as how to study, bullying, social skills and manners," Sitzman explained.

She will reinforce what is taught with a story or activity.

By addressing such issues at the elementary level, Sitzman hopes the students will not have issues or problems when they enter the upper grades and high school.

She will be available at the school Tuesday afternoons, all day Thursday and will keep office hours on Wednesdays.

As an elementary guidance counselor, Sitzman sees her role as helping students develop so as they grow older, they become well-rounded, productive individuals in society.

Sitzman is a graduate of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City and earned a bachelor of social work degree from Briar Cliff University.

She then worked for the Alzheimer's Association in Sioux City, assisting families in coping with a family member with Alzheimer's and also working with 20 county support groups in the area.

A love of children and a desire to change led Sitzman to pursue a master's degree in counseling at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

"I ended up at Gehlen," she said.

Sitzman enjoys spending time with her family, including her four siblings and three nieces.

She also finds time to catch up with friends.

One of her family traditions is watching college football, especially Notre Dame, and Sitzman shares that passion as well.