Posted on February 26, 2025
Andrea Lowe's journey into school counseling began with a profound desire to advocate for those without a voice.
After volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care, she pursued a graduate degree in social work to deepen her impact. Today, as an intervention counselor at Wayside Middle School in EMS ISD, Lowe has been recognized as the Region 11 Counselor of the Month for February 2025.
"I have always felt strongly about being a voice for those whose voices were not being heard," Lowe shared. "Walking with others through some of the most difficult moments in their lives left me in awe of the resilience of human beings."
At Wayside Middle School, Lowe has been instrumental in fostering a culture of empathy and support. She encourages students and staff to acknowledge their struggles and seek assistance without stigma. This environment has led students to proactively care for one another.
"Our students frequently request that counselors check on other students they are concerned about," Lowe noted. "This expression of trust and caring for one another, 
even those they do not know well, is something I take pride in fostering."
Balancing the emotional demands of her role, Lowe emphasizes the importance of self-care. She finds solace in nature and cherishes moments with her family.
"When things get hard, I try to give myself permission to be fully human," she said. "I watch funny animal videos and spend as much time in the outdoors with my family as possible."
For those aspiring to enter the counseling profession, Lowe offers this advice:
"It is all about relationships—your relationship with yourself and with others you share this life with. It can be painful and hard, so make it worth it."
Lowe's commitment to advocacy and her compassionate approach have not only transformed the culture at Wayside Middle School but have also contributed to a standard of excellence in the counseling community in EMS ISD.
We are #EMSproud of Andrea Lowe for being named the ESC Region 11 Counselor of the Month for February.
