Holmes Middle School

We dare to empower the whole child to profoundly

impact our world. Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent
Tony Karr, Principal
Yann Ulrich, Asst. Principal
Alisa Snelson, Asst. Principal

April 22, 2021

To Whom it May Concern:

I am honored to recommend Mrs. Tessa O’Brian as your future School Counselor. Tessa brings an amazing
energy and air of positivity that allows her to work well with her students, their families and her colleagues. A
solution-focused counselor, Tessa teaches students to bring a calm, reasoned approach to their frustrations and
practical coping strategies to their anxieties. She adeptly collaborates with teachers to strengthen the academic
abilities of their students.

She has a passion for promoting proactive curriculum that helps the students develop the tools they need to be
successful – such as: relationship building, problem solving, self-care and self-awareness. She has gained
experience in crisis management when working with students who need suicide-assessments and facilitates
coordination of care with parents, therapists and facilities.

She is an advocate for students who are struggling with their identity. She assists those students in
communicating their needs to family as well as teachers and classmates. She provides a safe place for students
who want to be “okay” with who they choose to be and has done the research to start a LGBTQ club this next
year to give those students a voice.

For two rewarding years I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Tessa, and watching her work with her students.
She encompasses the genuine qualities of a counselor. Tessa creates an environment that strongly supports the
fortification of self-esteem, confidence and self-advocacy She will be greatly missed here a Holmes, and you
will benefit to have her on your team.

Thank you,

Tara Falslev, (she, her, hers)

8th Grade School Counselor, Holmes Middle School

tara.falslev@d11.org
Cell: 801-608-06963
Work: 719-328-3808

Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School  2455 Mesa Road  Colorado Springs, CO 80904-1898
Phone: 719-328-3800  Fax: 719-448-0358  www.holmes.d11.org