For almost two decades, A-Che Counselor Tamara Wahrer has been guiding students through the most challenging and rewarding moments of their lives. Now serving as a new counselor for Westwood, she brings extensive experience, fresh perspectives, and deep passion to help teenagers discover their future paths.
While she began her career as a teacher, an enlightening moment came when a student confided in her during a difficult time. Their conversation made her realize counseling was where she could have the most impact helping students. Ms. Wahrer realized she wanted to continue being there for students when they were in tough situations.
“I always knew that I wanted to work with students,” Ms. Wahrer said. “I wasn’t sure how, so I was a teacher first.”
After working in elementary, middle, and now high school, Ms. Wahrer has seen how young people grow and change. Over the years, Ms. Wahrer has followed many students through critical chapters of their lives, spending time with some students for almost a decade.
“I worked as a counselor at Purple Sage Elementary [School], and then moved to Grisham [Middle School],” Ms. Wahrer said, “It was neat because I ended up being with some students for like 10 years, working with them from preschool all the way through eighth grade.”
Through her various experiences, one thing has stayed the same: her passion for helping students navigate change. Ms. Wahrer has always found meaning in guiding others through stormy times. For her, counseling isn’t just about helping students achieve the highest GPA — it’s about building trust, listening without judgement, and reminding students that they are not alone in their journeys.
“A quote I have up is, ‘be a rainbow in someone’s cloud’,” Ms. Wahrer said. “Often, students come and speak to counselors when they’re in a ‘storm’. Helping them see that there can be bright spots, and there’s something after the storm, is something I try to do for students. I think that’s something we can all do. We can be people’s rainbow when they’re going through something tough.”
Outside of school, Ms. Wahrer enjoys running and traveling with her family. Together, their goal is to visit all 50 states before her eldest son graduates, an adventure they are close to completing. Ms. Wahrer wants high schoolers to know that although things may seem overwhelming, they can persevere.
“We can always work through it,” Ms. Wahrer said. “Whether it’s friend stuff, academic stuff, emotional or relationship stuff, we can work through it. If you think back on things that felt really huge in middle school, you made it through. Things may feel really big now, and they are because there’s a different seriousness to it in high school, but at the same time we can make it through.”
For Ms. Wahrer, her most noteworthy memories come from seeing her students grow. One of the most significant moments for her is working with students and witnessing who they become over time.
“You saw glimmers of who they were going to be as they were going through school, but getting to see that be fulfilled is pretty amazing,” Ms. Wahrer said. “I love knowing that I helped in whatever small ways I could.”
Overall, Ms. Wahrer brings experience and important viewpoints to Westwood. She wants students to know she is always there for them, whether they need help through a hard time or are celebrating their achievements. Ms. Wahrer finds joy in helping students set agendas for themselves and reach their goals. Though these four years can be stressful and fast-paced, Ms. Wahrer is always there to support and guide high schoolers.
“We’ll have conversations you won’t remember, like when I’m talking about credits or your classes, but I’m hoping that students will remember that I made them feel good, and I made them feel seen and heard,” Ms. Wahrer said. “People may forget what you said or did, but not how you made them feel.”
