About Our Staff
Student Services
Ms. Hendrickson
Hello! My name is Kayla Hendrickson and I’m one of the school counselors at Worthington High School. I went to University of Wisconsin-River Falls for my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 2020 and St. Cloud State University for my Masters of Science in School Counseling in 2022. My hometown is 30 minutes north of Minneapolis but my mom grew up down here. I still have family in Jackson and Lakefield area and I often visit my great grandma. I currently live with my two cats and often have my family come for weekend stays.
I’m excited to be part of the Worthington family! I love working with students about various things, whether it’s helping to apply for colleges or helping them with obstacles they may face. In my spare time, I like to read, watch movies, or work on projects. I’m excited to work in district 518 and can’t wait what the year brings!
Ms. Jenniges
I am the Special Education Social Worker at the High School and ALC. I have been with the Worthington School District since 2014. I attended the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN) and obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a Minor in Family Studies. I then completed my Master of Social Work Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine (St. Paul, MN). I am a Licensed School Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I previously worked at Southwestern Mental Health Center providing therapy to students at the Worthington Public Schools.
I am excited to be a member of the District 518 team. I believe in doing anything possible to help students overcome whatever obstacles might be hindering their educational experience, allowing them the ability to succeed.
Mr. Nitzschke
My name is Jesse Nitzschke. I am a Le Mars Community High School graduate. I received a degree in Counseling Psychology at Morningside College and a Masters in School Counseling at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
I first started working with the high school aged population with the Upward Bound program at Creighton University as a resident advisor. I really enjoyed talking to students about their passions and their futures. I did my practicum experience at Maranatha Christian Academy high school in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. I did a middle school practicum at Northeast Middle School in the Minneapolis School District. Finally, I split my elementary practicum at Pilot Knob Elementary and Somerset Elementary School in the West St. Paul School District.
I really enjoy cooking and “adventurous foods.” Specifically, I am known to be a “spice monger!”
Mrs. Ourada
Hello Everyone! My name is Destiny Ourada and I am a school counselor here at the Worthington High School. I attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD for both of my degrees–Go Jacks! My Bachelors degree is in Human Development and Family Studies along with a minor in Psychology as well as a Masters degree in School Counseling & Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. I was born and raised in Tracy, MN and now live on a farm outside of Tracy with my husband Derick, and our puppy Holly.
I am passionate about advocating for students and helping them reach their true potential each and every day. I’ve had many experiences throughout my lifetime related to working with students that will help me be successful in my role as a school counselor. In my spare time, I like to go to the lake, hang out with family & friends, listen to music, and play with my puppy Holly. I’m excited to be apart of ISD 518 and to see what this year has in store for me!
Ms. Swinea
Hello! My name is Lakeyta Swinea and I am a Licensed School Counselor at the Worthington High School. This is my second year working as a School Counselor at WHS. I am originally from Worthington and when I graduated from high school in 2003 I decided to go to college to study Psychology. I earned my Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Psychology at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia in 2007. I continued my education at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota to earn a Master’s of Science in School Counseling in 2011.
I truly believe that every youth should have the tools and resources they need to be successful in life and that my role as a school counselor is to provide those opportunities. I enjoy working with students in helping them make positive choices and planning for their future.