Each morning, 6th-8th-grade Counselor Virginia Blum greets students as they arrive and makes a point of saying each student’s name. “It’s one of the highlights of my day,” Mrs. Blum shares. “I get to see each of their faces before they’ve even stepped into school for the day and greet them, reminding them that at TFS, they are cared for, loved, and genuinely known.”

Mrs. Blum began working at TFS during the 2023-2024 school year, but her connection to Catholic education goes back much further. She spent her Pre-K through 8th-grade years at St. Thomas More in Chapel Hill, and she shares, “I always knew I wanted to continue living out my faith in a school setting like this, so when the opportunity to join TFS became available, I was truly thrilled,” she shares.

Before coming to TFS, Mrs. Blum worked as a school counselor in public, private, and charter schools during her internship and early career. She earned her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University, with a focus on Psychology, Child Development, and Special Education, and later completed her master’s degree in School Counseling at UNC-Chapel Hill.

What Mrs. Blum loves most about her job are the everyday moments and quiet interactions, like students stopping to share exciting news or talk about their week, while others confide worries about the day ahead. “These small interactions give me the chance to be a listening ear before the school day even begins,” Mrs. Blum says. 

Mrs. Blum feels that working at TFS means being part of a faith-filled community rooted in love and service. She feels called to live out the school’s mission each day, not only as an educator, but as a source of compassion and support for students and families. The sense of encouragement and collaboration among staff creates a thriving environment.

No two days look the same with her role. Mrs. Blum’s schedule often includes meeting with students one-on-one, counseling small groups, teaching lessons, observing classrooms, and collaborating closely with parents and teachers. Her goal is always to advocate for these students, which she does through collaboration with all key stakeholders in their lives. 

Mrs. Blum shares, “While this can be challenging, it has also strengthened my flexibility, problem-solving, and ability to stay grounded in what matters most: supporting students and ensuring they feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their day.”

As Mrs. Blum continues her journey at TFS, she remains grateful for the opportunity to serve in a community that truly feels like family. Her warmth and steady presence are felt throughout the school, and her impact is seen in the confidence, trust, and smiles of the students she supports each day. We are grateful to have her!