Columbia High School

I’m Mrs. Bussey (pronounced “bus” like a school bus E). I recently got married, which is why my name changed from Miss McKenzie. I grew up here in Idaho and went to Eagle High and got my masters in School Counseling from Walden University. I enjoy board games, puzzles, binge watching shows and crafting. I chose to become a school counselor because I find it personally rewarding to help students, especially in times of great need or hardship. I’m a firm believer that kindness, genuineness, and empathy can be life-changing for students when modeled by and received by adults. This is my third year at Columbia and what I enjoy most about being a CHS counselor is the people and the fact that every day looks different. I love watching my students grow and find their passion for the future. We have fantastic students doing great things and I’m lucky to be a part of the Wildcat family.

I am Mr. Hoyt and I have been a counselor at Columbia High School since 2008. I love seeing the growth students experience throughout their high school career and I enjoy helping students discover what can come after high school. I believe that we all can have a positive impact in the community in which we live and I get to see our students live that out each day. I am both a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Social Worker and worked at Refuge Counseling Center prior to coming to Columbia. I enjoy traveling with my wife and son, coffee and the beach. I collect coffee cans and have nearly 600 different coffee cans. GO WILDCATS!!!

I’m Mr. Fillmore and this is my first year full time here at Columbia. I grew up in Eastern Oregon but have lived in Idaho for nearly thirteen years now. I’ve grown very fond of Idaho and enjoy spending much of my free time doing outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and whitewater rafting. In the summer time, I work as a whitewater river guide on the Snake River and the Salmon River. This summer will be my tenth year as a guide. Aside from being outdoors, I am passionate about connecting with people, which, coupled with my interest in psychology and helping people find their unique paths, is why I became a school counselor. I recently graduated from Boise State University with a master’s degree in social work and though my role at CHS is a School Counselor, I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. Additionally, I received my bachelor’s degree from BSU as well back in 2022. I’m proud to say that I am beyond excited to be with CHS and I truly believe every student within our walls has value and potential.

Mrs. Nicole Shafer has been with Columbia High School since the 2023-2024 school year and absolutely LOVES being part of the Wildcat family. Mrs. Shafer has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) since 2015. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to achieve their goals. Before entering the school district, Mrs. Shafer helped children, teenagers, and adults navigate the stressors of everyday life in both a clinical setting and school-based setting. When not at school, Nicole loves to spend time with her family, attend concerts of all genres, drink fancy coffee, and participate in cycling classes.