Student Support Services
Amanda Baldwin, School Nurse
Constance Goodnight, Mental Health Counselor
Jackie Fickling, Middle School Counselor
Maria Kokal, HS Counselor
High School Counselor
Ms. Maria Kokal serves as the high school counselor for grades 9-12 at Allegro Charter School of Music. She graduated from Charleston Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in Psychology, followed by her Master’s degree in School Counseling from The Citadel. She has been at Allegro since its original location on Broad Street and is proud of our school community’s growth.
With her warm smile and unwavering support, Ms. Kokal is dedicated to fostering a positive school environment where every student can thrive.
Her expertise in general counseling ensures that students feel heard and supported throughout their high school journey. Whether it's providing guidance on personal challenges or helping students navigate their academic paths, Ms. Kokal is always ready to lend a listening ear and offer invaluable advice.
As college preparation becomes a priority for many students, Ms. Kokal provides comprehensive guidance on college applications, helping students to explore their options and make informed decisions about their futures.
Additionally, Ms. Kokal works one-on-one with each student for personalized course selection, ensuring that their academic choices align with their interests and goals. Her commitment to each individual's success is truly inspiring!
We are grateful to have Ms. Kokal as part of our school community, and we encourage all students to take advantage of her expertise and support. Together, let’s make this a fantastic school year!
Connect with the HS School Counseling Department for updates and resources click here!
Middle School Counselor
Jackie Fickling serves as the Middle School Counselor at Allegro Charter School of Music. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from South Carolina State University and two Master's degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Webster and Capella Universities, respectively. Transitioning from a classroom teacher to a school counselor in 2016, Mrs. Fickling joined the Allegro family in 2019, where she is dedicated to promoting student well-being.
In her role, Mrs. Fickling helps students set academic goals and develop effective study habits, offering tailored strategies to enhance concentration and retention. She works individually with students to identify their learning styles and suggests study methods that suit them.
Understanding the challenges of middle school, she provides a safe space for students to express their feelings and offers counseling services for stress, anxiety, and emotional concerns. Mrs. Fickling is trained to provide immediate support during crises, ensuring students receive timely assistance.
Additionally, she facilitates programs that promote positive peer interactions and social skills, guiding students in friendship navigation and conflict resolution. She also provides insights into high school programs, helping students explore their interests and potential career paths.
Collaborating closely with administrators, teachers, and parents, Mrs. Fickling is committed to creating a supportive learning environment that nurtures the holistic development of each student at Allegro Charter School of Music.
Health Services - School Nurse
Amanda Baldwin, MSN, RN serves as the nurse for all grades at Allegro Charter School of Music. She was born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2008. She returned to school and graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012 followed by a Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2016. Prior to school nursing, she has experience in psychiatric-mental health nursing, urgent care, and nursing leadership.
With her warm demeanor and professional expertise, Nurse Baldwin plays an essential role in ensuring that our students are healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
As our school nurse, Ms. Baldwin administers prescription medications and coordinates vital health services, including vision, dental, and medical care for qualifying students—all right here at school. This invaluable support helps minimize absences, allowing students to focus on their education and enjoy their time here.
In addition to providing direct care, Nurse Baldwin is proactive in training our staff in CPR and emergency response procedures, ensuring that we are all equipped to handle any situation that may arise. As a vital member of our safety team, her preparedness and knowledge give our school community peace of mind.
We are thankful for Nurse Baldwin’s unwavering dedication to our students' health and well-being.
For more information about our school nursing services, click here.
Mental Health Counselor
Ms. Goodnight is the Mental Health Counselor at Allegro Charter School of Music, supporting students, families, and faculty. A native of Concord, North Carolina, she holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from Liberty University and a Master's in Human Services Counseling. With over twenty years of experience in various mental health settings, she has dedicated her career to enhancing care for vulnerable communities, particularly youth. For the past three years, she has contributed to the mental wellbeing of our school community, previously serving as a school-based therapist with the Department of Mental Health in Berkeley County.
With a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach, Ms. Goodnight is dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of our students and families by providing essential resources tailored to their needs.
Ms. Goodnight offers comprehensive mental health support, including connections to external resources, short-term interventions for symptoms that disrupt the school experience, and individual, group, and family services. Additionally, she specializes in conflict resolution and crisis-emergency support.
With her expertise, Ms. Goodnight helps create a positive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. We encourage our community to utilize the valuable resources she provides. Click here to submit a referral for services.