Life, Learning and Leadership

The counseling program at FBA has been established to further the social, spiritual, emotional and intellectual development and well-being of every student, thus supporting the mission of the school: “To develop students with Christian character and a biblical worldview, equipping them for life, learning and leadership.”

The counseling program's contribution to the Student Services department involves coordinating procedural development, team review of student’s progress and advocating for our school’s students.  Counseling services include speaking with individual students, meeting with students in small groups, and visiting classrooms to teach lessons that will strengthen students’ Christian character and relationship with Christ to equip them for life, learning and leadership.  The counseling department also provides consultation services with students, parents, teachers and administrators through programs offered by First Baptist Church Naples and when necessary, outside community resources and referrals.

Meet the Counselors:

Tim Wilbanks is in his fifth year at FBA but is in his second year as the Biblical Counselor for the school. He has been in Christian education since 1981, when he graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a BA in Christian Education. Since that time, Tim has earned a MS in Education Administration and has served as the Administrator of three different schools, including a mission school in Ecuador. Mr. Wilbanks is finishing a second master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University this year. Apart from serving as a school administrator, Tim has spent time in the classroom, served as a school counselor, and served as a principal of the three previous schools.

Rebecca Curran has joined FBA full time at the start of the 2008-2009 school year.  She currently has a role in assisting Elementary students, teachers and administrators.  She attended University of California at Riverside where she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and then recently returned to college to receive her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University. She feels blessed to be at a school where God is uplifted and students are taught the importance of scripture application in their daily walk with the Lord.

Services can be accessed by contacting Tim Wilbanks at (239)597-2233 ext. 324 or by contacting your respective school's principal. Tim Wilbanks is located in ED204, and Rebecca Curran can be found in the Elementary School office.

FBA Counselors are here for EVERYONE!  We are here for every student, every teacher, and every parent.

If you are asking what does a counselor in a school do? Here are some examples.

School Biblical Counselors . . .

-Work with individuals and groups new to FBA

-Help identify needs of students

-Encourage better interpersonal relationships

-Help students adjust to loss due to death or divorce and to changing family conditions due to remarriage, new siblings, etc.

-Promote positive attitudes and help students develop better decision-making skills

-Aid teachers and parents in helping students

-Assist people in making use of community resources

-Coordinate efforts with other school programs

-Assist students with the process of growing up and help them develop confidence in daily activities

-Develop positive self-image

-Coordinate referrals to outside agencies

-Assist with in-service programs for faculty

-Patricipate in curriculum development

-Provide preventative services

-Understanding who God created you to be!

-Bullying issues

-Be available for crisis counseling

-Maintain confidentiality