The Counseling Geek Interview Series: Dr. Erin Mason (@ecmmason)

Welcome back and I am super excited to bring one of my most used resources and also one of the biggest names in Counseling Technology to you via the next installment of The Counseling Geek's Interview Series. I was incredibly honored the Dr. Erin Mason (@ecmmason) of DePaul University and SCOPE - the School Counselors' Online Professional Exchange - was able to join me for a quick but very informative and innovate interview.

For the last video interview with Rebecca Lallier of School Counseling By Heart, we used Skype to perform the video chat and in the interest of showcasing new software - this time we decided to utilize Google's new Hangouts. A feature of Google+ and G-Chat, hangouts was an altogether well rounded and easy to use platform.

I really hope you enjoy the interview and as always, check out our contributor's blogs and resources.

The Road to Naviance - Part 1: Where to start

As a techie Counselor, I naturally was drawn to the software suite that is Naviance. Naviance is a well rounded package that allows school officials, counselors, students, and parents to research, plan, and proceed to apply to colleges around the globe. I knew when I started that I wanted to try to get Naviance into my new school. I needed to know where to get started in making that happen.

I used the contact option on Naviance's website and was contacted by a rep. We had about an hour long call while he explained some of the features, rough costs estimates, and how to go about making the next steps. I took careful notes and set a meeting date to talk with my principal.

During the time between, I also worked on applying for a grant that would help fund Naviance. I know all schools are tight with their budgets and figured it would be easier going if I could provide my own funding -- at least for the first year. After the first year, I anticipate success and the desire to go back to "the old way" will go to the wayside.

Doing my research and creating a good pitch, I contacted Daniel Obregon (@dobregon), the marketing VP of Hobson (the maker of Naviance) and a PLN mate, asking for some help with finding data to validate some of my reasons for desiring Naviance. He was able to provide strong support and recent articles showcasing schools' success stories.

Next week, I meet with my principal and submit my grant proposal for funding. I will let you know how it goes and I am hoping to get Naviance up and running within the next two months.

The Geekly Update: Why so quiet, you ask?

If you have been paying attention, I have not posted anything since the 8th of August -- which is a long time in the blogosphere. I have many ideas brewing and another interview I would like to get setup in the coming month, but I wanted to give you a very short update as to why such a long silence from me.

I recently moved and started a new job in the Lake Tahoe area as the high school counselor at a small high school. We moved mid-August and I started right away, so most of you can empathize with the work it takes to get settled, get students scheduled, and make time to write. We are really loving going from the beach to the mountains and I hope to get a new post up within the next week or so.

I also wanted to remind you that the Indiegogo campaign is ending next week (9/4) and then I will be working to provide partial scholarships to several lucky counselors to attend the ASCA 2013 National Conference in Philadelphia. Please consider donating $10, $20, or more in the last few days to help me get more young, new, or financially struggling counselors to the conference this year.

Here are a few teasers for what is coming up this month: The Road Trip to Naviance Nirvana, a new Counseling Geek interview (with one of the biggest players in counselor blogging), and some new job interview info (with feedback from my interview team about my previous blog posts). Stay tuned!