Children thrive when they feel well, physically, emotionally, and socially.
At Kurn Hattin, our Health and Counseling teams work together, teaming with students, families, and staff to support the whole child, helping students stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn. We connect families with appropriate resources when additional support is needed.
Our on-campus nurses provide care for everyday illnesses and injuries, ensuring children can remain active and engaged in school life.
We partner closely with families, who continue to oversee routine medical care such as physicals, dental and vision exams, and immunizations.
Health education is also part of daily life at Kurn Hattin. Students learn to understand their bodies, make healthy choices, and build habits that support lifelong well-being.
Contact Health Services at (802) 721-6956.
Our counselors provide a supportive, relationship-based space where students can talk through challenges, build emotional skills, and strengthen resilience.
Using a trauma-informed approach, we help children:
Counselors collaborate with families, teachers, and residential staff to ensure each child feels understood, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Kathy Mota leads Kurn Hattin’s trauma-informed approach to student support.
With a background in nonprofit work and trauma-informed leadership and supervision, Kathy helps ensure that counseling services foster emotional safety, resilience, and growth. She works closely with students and staff to create an environment where children feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate challenges and build healthy coping skills.
Kathy is inspired by the opportunity to walk alongside children during important chapters of their lives. “Working with children allows me not only to provide validation, care, and support, but also to be part of their incredible journeys—witnessing their growth, resilience, and development during their time at Kurn Hattin,” she says.
Outside of work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and creating art.
Steve Miceli serves as Family Outreach Coordinator at Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children, where he focuses on strengthening the partnership between families and the school community.
Steve supports families as they navigate challenges, assists with the transition into Kurn Hattin, and helps guide students and caregivers through the important next step from eighth grade into high school. His work is grounded in trust, listening, and steady guidance.
“I wouldn’t measure family outreach in achievements,” Steve says. “When a family or student overcomes a hurdle, that’s their success.” For him, the most meaningful moments come when families feel heard, supported, and better equipped to move forward.
Steve is passionate about helping students and families gain the skills and confidence they need to navigate complex situations. Creating a safe, comfortable space for conversation and growth is at the heart of his work.
Outside of Kurn Hattin, Steve enjoys spending time with his family (and their many pets), studying history, hiking, and playing the drums.
Lexi Silakka leads Health Services at Kurn Hattin with a strong foundation in pediatric nursing and community health. She is passionate about creating systems that support youth wellness, helping children stay healthy, engaged, and ready to learn.
Since 2019, Lexi has provided nursing care to youth and families in hospital, summer camp, and school settings. In 2025, she completed her Master of Public Health with a focus on health equity, deepening her commitment to ensuring all young people have access to quality, preventative care. That same year, she also earned certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid, strengthening her ability to support students’ overall well-being.
“I love community health and finding ways to promote and support wellness through preventative health care, especially for youth,” Lexi says.
Outside of work, Lexi enjoys embracing every New England season. She skis in winter, gardens in spring, paddleboards in summer, hikes in fall, and occasionally curls up indoors with a good book when the weather calls for it.
