Featured Finalist: Lydia Thu Kim Larimore
Lydia Thu Kim Larimore, school counselor, Neabsco Elementary School, Woodbridge, Va.,, is a 2026 School Counselor of the Year® finalist. She has been a school counselor since 2021. Neabsco Elementary School serves 614 students, K–5.
“In her role as a school counselor, Mrs. Larimore consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success and well-being of every student,” said Brooke LeVecchi, principal, Neabsco Elementary School. “She is deeply invested in fostering connections that support student growth and family engagement. She collaborates with teachers and staff to address individual and whole class needs, ensuring a supportive and inclusive school environment. Her dedication to teamwork and communication strengthens Neabsco Elementary School as a community where every student can thrive." Read more about Lydia.
What Makes Lydia Tick?
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut so I could touch a star. Ironically, my current school mascot is the Star, and now I get to help students shine every day.
What’s one goal you have for your school counseling program next year?
Use AI to develop a digital data dashboard to enhance our ability to monitor student academic progress, as well as attendance and behavior in real time. By streamlining data collection and analysis, we can make timelier, data-informed decisions, reduce administrative burden and focus more intentionally on delivering impactful, student-centered support.
If you could have an unlimited supply of anything for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Stickers. Because no matter how old you are or what kind of day you are having, a sticker somehow has the power to brighten it.
How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?
I am the “happy police.” I help students feel good inside and make sure everyone is kind and safe. If someone feels sad, worried or needs help with friends or school, I am here to listen and help them feel better.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I was once upon a time a professional hairstylist and licensed California cosmetologist. I used to think helping people look good would help them to feel good. Then I became a school counselor and realized it all starts from the inside and is actually the other way around.
What’s one important skill you think everyone should have?
Empathy. It is one of the tenets in my trauma-informed GRACE framework: (Gratitude, Reflect, Authentic, Connect, Empathy) and is essential for building trust, healing and connection.
What could you talk about for 30 minutes with no notes?
The value of peer mentorship (student-to-student) and why it should start at the elementary school level.
How did you get into school counseling?
I became a school counselor because I wanted to be the kind of adult I needed when I was younger; someone who listens, advocates and helps children feel safe and valued. Growing up with adversity made me deeply empathetic toward students facing challenges like food insecurity, trauma or feeling unseen. After beginning a career in logistics with the Department of Defense Educational Activity, I felt a strong pull toward a more human-centered role. I chose school counseling, but in many ways, it also chose me. It is where my heart, purpose and passion all come together to support students emotionally, advocate for equity and drive meaningful change. Through my initiatives like Stars Supporting Stars peer mentorship and trauma-informed small groups, I have witnessed how intentional relationships and targeted support can lead to measurable growth in student outcomes. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be part of this transformative work every day.