School Counselor
Hello! My name is Kat Freihammer, and I work with students in grades 5–12 here at W-K!
My role is to support students both academically and personally, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and prepare for their future. I do this by:
Guiding students to understand, acknowledge, and manage their feelings in healthy ways.
Providing tools to cope with anxiety and stress.
Helping students set goals, create action plans, and celebrate milestones along the way.
Encouraging a positive mindset and resilience.
Teaching coping skills, conflict resolution, and self-awareness.
Assisting students in evaluating their strengths and interests to shape academic and career goals.
Exploring college and career opportunities beyond high school.
Nurturing curiosity and passion in learning, especially around future pathways.
Supporting students in staying on track toward high school graduation.
I also work closely with families and teachers to develop and implement 504 Plans, ensuring students have the accommodations and support they need for academic success.
In addition to counseling, I serve as one of the Student Council Advisors alongside Bridget Hoffman. Together, we help organize memorable school events such as Homecoming Week, Awareness Days, Holiday Week, the 7th–8th Grade Snowball Dance, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and Spring Fling, among many others.
I hold both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Social Work, with over 2,000 hours of clinical experience. I also continue to pursue ongoing professional development to better serve students in areas of mental health and college/career planning.
Most importantly, I value open communication. Students and families are always welcome to stop by my office, schedule an appointment, give me a call, or connect with me using the link to the right —I look forward to working with you!
Regards,
Kat
Contact Me!
AP classes are designed to provide students with college-level academic courses. Students enroll in these year-long AP courses at W-K and demonstrate their knowledge of the subject area by earning qualifying scores / grades on the AP Examination near the end of the semester.
Students can earn college credit at accepting colleges and universities if they score above a three.
Courses offered Wabasha-Kellogg:
- English Literature and Composition
- Psychology
- Spanish Language & Composition
- United States History
- This class is offered every other year.
High school students can earn college credit by taking computer-based tests of their knowledge. The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a College Board program that allows students to accelerate their education by skipping introductory level college courses in subjects they have already mastered through general academic instruction, independent study, extracurricular work, or volunteerism.
Available to students 10th through 12th grade who want to get a jump start on college. Students will get a firsthand experience with a faster pace of study, increased academic rigor, and are able to make a smoother transition from high school to college. This program allows students to stay at W-K and be taught by a qualified high school instructor that works together with the college to provide the opportunity for students to earn credits toward college at no cost to their families.
CIS courses offered at Wabasha-Kellogg:
- Through the University of Minnesota:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- College Algebra
- Physics
- Through Southwest Minnesota State University:
- Composition
Wabasha-Kellogg seeks to increase varied educational opportunities and provide assistance to students interested in non-traditional settings or curriculum. Students may explore alternatives outlined below to fulfill their academic needs and interests:
- Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
- This program is available to 10th through 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions.
- Students in 11th and 12th grades may take PSEO courses on a full or part-time basis while 10th grade students are allowed to enroll on a more limited basis.
- Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09.
Students that meet eligibility requirements can take online college courses through Minnesota State College Southeast. Students remain in the high school setting allowing them the support of high school staff while also earning college credit.
