Laureen (Allen) Held

“I built self-confidence and learned how to come out of my shell of shyness,” said Held. 

Laureen Held believes that earning a leadership position in choir was particularly helpful in building her confidence. The experience showed her how impactful staff support can be on a student’s success. 

She credits Sam Barlow High School for teaching her to study effectively and how to type, which is a lifelong skill she uses daily.

After graduating, she earned a bachelor of science in psychology from Corban College. She then went on to earn a master’s of arts in counseling from Western Seminary. Later in her career, she returned to school to earn a master’s of arts in school counseling from George Fox University. 

She works as a counselor at Robert Gray Middle School and loves it. She finds supporting youth with academics and social/emotional needs is extremely rewarding. 

As a counselor, she also enjoys helping students resolve conflicts and prepare themselves for high school. The job encompasses a variety of functions and each day brings a new experience.

Due to her career success, she’s gotten opportunities to be an adjunct professor and internship supervisor where she teaches and supports adults who seek to be school counselors.

She’s served seven years on the Oregon School Counselor Association Board. Two years as the middle school vice principal, another two years as membership chair, and the last three years on the presidential track, which includes the roles of  president-elect, president and president emeritus.

Herd is very grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside amazing counselors. Together, they’ve supported and advocated for school counselors in rural, suburban and urban communities.