Supporting the Whole Child, Every Step

  • At Miami Country Day School, we believe that social and emotional well-being is essential to a student’s ability to learn, grow, and succeed. The School Counseling program supports students throughout their PK3–12 journey, helping them develop self-awareness, resilience, healthy relationships, and the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
    Our counselors partner closely with students, families, faculty, and administrators to create a caring and supportive environment where every student feels known, valued, and empowered. Through individual support, small-group work, classroom lessons, community programming, and parent resources, counselors help students build the confidence and emotional skills that contribute to both personal well-being and academic success.
  • Grounded in Miami Country Day School’s commitment to educating the whole child, the counseling program promotes a culture of belonging, inclusion, and care across the school community. Counselors work alongside faculty and staff to ensure that students’ social and emotional needs are represented in all aspects of school life, creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and prepared to reach their full potential.
    From Community Time and social-emotional learning activities in the Lower School to peer leadership programs, advisory support, parent education, and individual student guidance in the Upper School, School Counseling plays an important role in helping students develop the skills, relationships, and self-understanding that support lifelong success.
MCDS School Counseling session with a small group of students

Meet Our School Counseling Team

Our counselors partner with students, families, and faculty to support social-emotional well-being and help every student thrive from Early Childhood through Upper School.
Meet the COORDINATOR

Ana Molina

Coordinator of School Counseling & Upper School Counselor

Ana Molina leads the School Counseling program at Miami Country Day School, ensuring a cohesive PK–12 approach to student well-being. With nearly two decades of experience supporting students and families across diverse backgrounds and learning styles, she works closely with counselors, faculty, administrators, and families to foster a culture of belonging, wellness, and student advocacy.
“Our goal is to help every student develop the confidence, self-awareness, and support systems they need to thrive both in school and in life.”

Female MCDS staff member smiling in a professional school portrait

meet our school counseling team

Early Childhood & Lower School
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Early Childhood & Lower School

Mrs. Elizabeth De La Cadena
Early Childhood and Lower School Counselor

Mrs. De La Cadena believes that emotional well-being is a lifelong skill that begins in childhood. She works closely with students, families, and faculty to help children develop healthy ways to understand emotions, build relationships, and navigate challenges. Through classroom lessons, individual support, and community programming, she helps lay the foundation for lifelong mental wellness.

Programming Highlights

  • Community Time leadership
  • Social-emotional learning activities
  • Individual and small-group support
  • Parent education and resources
  • Counselor Corner communications
  • Student leadership opportunities
  • Special assemblies
  • Collaboration with outside professionals
Female MCDS staff member smiling in a professional school portrait
Middle School Upper School