What have you done that you are proud of?
I am most proud of establishing a counseling department from the ground up. When I got hired at St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy there was no counseling department nor were there counselors. Immediately, I began meeting with students and conducting a needs assessment of the school. Our next step was to implement academic programs that supported students and promoted a college and career-going culture.
How has your work made an impact on your community, school, agency, classroom, clients or students?
In the counseling field it can be a challenge to get support from teachers and staff. However, the work we have been doing at St. Pius – X St. Matthias Academy is seen as valuable and appreciated by its school community, but most especially by all of our teachers.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates this impact?
When I speak to students, they share with me that because of the events and programs we have, they have discovered something integral to their life. For example, two students told me they discovered what their college major and career path was as a result of attending our annual Career Day. Another time while counseling seniors individually about college, I met with a particular student and I found a college in New York that was a great fit and match for what she wanted. She applied and was not only accepted, she was offered one of the highest scholarships.