This year, Portage High School has welcomed a new counselor, Ms. Lauritzen, into the Portage family. She covers the last names Md-Po. Before coming to Portage, she worked for Crown Point Schools at the elementary level and Lake Station at the middle school level. But she is excited to now be at Portage, which also happens to be where she went to Highschool.
Lauritzen knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher.
“I have always had an innate ability to help people. When I took my first psychology class here at PHS with Mr. Fortenberry as a senior, I knew I was interested in the human mind and the emotions that people experience,” Lauritzen said.
Lauritzen expressed that Portage is very different from other schools. Where she was previously she was the only counselor for the whole school. She was very fortunate to have people like Miss Nelson and Mrs. Garcia to make that transition smooth.
“I am very lucky to be part of such a great team with the other school counselors and social emotional counselors. Luckily too, we have Mrs. Johnson, AKA the best secretary!”
Lauritzen explained her favorite part of the job is helping students plan their future. When she isn’t in the office you can find her running, doing pilates, yoga or hanging out with her boyfriend. Just like many students she likes to hit snooze several times before deciding to get out of bed and tackle the day. Her favorite color is pink and she loves caffeine.
