08/17/2026
🗣️ 📣 Let’s meet our new School Counselor: Ms. Shalane Lutz!
We asked her some questions to get to know her better. Enjoy! And let’s give her a warm welcome to Mifflin! 🤝
What's your name?
Shalane Lutz
What will our students call you?
I am leaning towards Ms. Lutz, but also could go with Ms. Shalane after I see how the students respond and what makes them feel most comfortable.
What is your role at Mifflin this school year?
I will be the K-8 School Counselor. A school counselor has many roles in the school outside of only providing short-term counseling to our students. School counselors are also a part of the leadership team, attendance team, work with school climate staff, partner with teachers, implement 504 plans, aid in the Special Education Case Manager's (SPECM) development of IEPs for students, and so much more. But, one of the most important jobs I have, outside of caring for our students, is partnering with parents and community resources to build our students up for future success.
Are there any initiatives or events you're most excited to introduce this year?
This is a two part answer for me. First, I am excited to learn more about the initiatives and events already in place at Mifflin, and how they are received by parents, teachers, staff, and most importantly our students. Then, I would like to partner with those vested interests to continue to build programing and events that build on the KRISP motto the school has in place. It is a goal of mine to take time to visit each classroom and introduce myself to students in a more intimate setting and let them know I will have an open door policy and it's a personal goal of mine to know each and every one of them and inform them of the help I can provide outside of just feelings, friendships, and family. I’m sure my answer to this question will grow longer and longer with time.
Do you prefer a sweet or salty snack?
I think salty snacks might edge out sweet snacks. But, I truly love a good combo of sweet and salty like chocolate covered pretzels - the best of both worlds!
What's your favorite thing about Philly?
I grew up outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but have lived in Philadelphia for 16 years and counting. I think my favorite part of Philadelphia is the people. The people in Philly are very similar to the people in Pittsburgh. The people in both cities are very down-to-earth, hard workers, endeared to their sports teams, and care about their neighbors.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
Well, as previously stated I am originally from western Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh, but have lived in Philadelphia for 16+ years. I have called the neighborhood of Mount Airy home the entire time I have lived in Philadelphia and currently reside with my husband, Jon, my son, Lincoln, our dog Gigi, two cats Jinx and Pepper (who only has one eye), and our African Fat-tailed Gecko Zeke.
I am a member of the Henry Houston Home and School Association where out son attends and a classroom parent to his upcoming 3rd grade class. I also volunteer with my son’s 8U football organization, the Sturgis Hornets, as a team mom. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading mystery fiction, stand-up comedy, trying new foods, and traveling.
I am entering school counseling as a second career in life. My first career was within work with the federal government, but overtime I realized that I wanted to help young people because I very passionately believe every person has the ability to succeed provided the proper tools and resources, because no two journeys in life are the same. This led me to apply to the University of Pennsylvania where I completed a dual program in School and Mental Health Counseling. So, while I am a Certified PK-12 School Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, I am also a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) as well. Having a professional counseling license is also allowing me to further specialize in my profession by working towards certification in play therapy and sand tray therapy, which I hope to one day be able to bring to my role as a school counselor at Mifflin.
Prior to coming to Mifflin I completed two years of clinical hours within the School District of Philadelphia. I spent my first year at Martin Luther King High School and my second year at Bache-Martin School. I enjoyed my time at both of these schools and learned important things from my supervisors and the students I worked with at both locations.
I am so happy to be welcomed into the Mifflin Mustang family and look forward to partnering with Friends of Mifflin for years to come.
