Roe casts ‘Shadow of Hope’ at KHS

School counselor known for her heart for students

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“If we treat people as if they were what they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” - Goethe

Goethe, as he so brilliantly stated above, apparently knew Amy Jansen Roe would come to be one day. His words are so fitting for her.

Upon entrance into the office of Amy Roe, there is a palpable calming sensation in the air and in her presence. The Kokomo High School counselor has created within her office space an environment conducive to sharing, trust, inspiration, and learning.

Amy Jansen Roe

Roe’s name seems to be one that comes up quite a lot. It doesn’t take long to recognize and appreciate all the good things said about her are true. She’s kind, has a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love, and out of her soft whispery voice flow words of immense power, life, and wisdom.

She is the youngest of five siblings and has lived a lifetime amongst loved ones who carry the keys to winning people’s hearts. She is of the Jansen family bloodline, a family of talented entrepreneurs and distinction in the city of Kokomo. Roe respectively lives in her calling, impacting the lives of young people, which apparently has been one of the several family businesses for decades.

“I learned a lot from watching them [family], and the ways that they got involved,” Roe explained of her family being her example. “My parents always had an open-door policy. We always had friends over, and our house was everyone’s house. I loved that about my parents. They were very nonjudgmental. They just loved on people. I’m so grateful for that.”

That legacy left to her by her role-model parents is very much the reason for what she does today as a school counselor and in various capacities outside of that position. Roe conveyed the origins of her demonstration of love for students.

“My role not only here at the school, but outside of here is to let young people especially know that somebody cares and sees them, and meet them where they are,” said Roe. “Life looks different for everyone.”

She went on to recognize how the little things help young people make it through the day.

“‘Hey, you made it to school today. Thank you for being here,’” said Roe. “Sometimes that’s all that young people have; all they may have in them that day is to show up. It’s so important to encourage them and show them love and respect where they are.”

Fundamentally, Roe operates on that principle, and her desire to impact the lives of young people burns deep within. Her unwavering strength to keep going and growing is like a flame that refuses be squelched.

Roe with the Kokomo Leadership Academy at Kokomo High School.

Roe, in recent years, has seen a number of students who are grieving in one form or another. With such an influx in counselling sessions of that nature, it prompted Roe to start a support group called “Shadow of Hope.” This program within Kokomo High School is to help in the effort of bringing relief to the students that need helping dealing with the grieving process.

The group began with only three students last November but has grown to more than 70 students.

“That has been a really powerful way for students to see that they are not alone,” said Roe. “It’s just been a beautiful thing for students to have their feeling of grief validated and to just have a safe place to meet. The community’s support has been amazing.”

Roe expressed her appreciation for the community. It is essential to adequately provide resources for the students involved in the grief assistance program.

Roe is a busy woman. She also is instrumental in the success of the Kokomo Leadership Academy at Kokomo High School. For those who noticed there were not many parents present or teachers leading this summer’s freshman orientation, credit the newly founded, student-led organization ushering in the future of KHS. Roe was amazed by the leadership of the 60 plus students.

“They executed perfectly,” said Roe.

International Council and Diversity Club are two more programs that Roe has shown enthusiasm for and has made her presence well known. Roe’s capacity to do more shows evidence of a source greater than she. Through all that she has done in her life, and worked to develop, life has not always been perfect. Her family has been through a whole lot.

“I’ve learned a lot about perseverance, and prayer, and just being the hands and feet of Christ,” Roe said.

Kokomo High School and the city of Kokomo are greater places because of Roe and people who display a heart for young people the way she does.