Sagewood Middle Counselor named Counselor of the Year

Janelle Winders, school counselor at Sagewood Middle School in Parker, has been named the 2026 Middle School Counselor of the Year by the Colorado School Counselor Association. Winders has served as a school counselor for eighteen years, including eight years at Sagewood, where she is recognized for her compassionate, data-driven leadership and innovative student support, including the integration of therapy dog Timber into the school’s counseling program. Supported by Principal Sarah Hasler, Winders is known as a dedicated advocate for students, colleagues and the school counseling profession. She will be honored at the Colorado School Counselor Association Annual Conference in October.