College and School Counseling
The Counseling Department is committed to supporting the mission of the Academy by promoting the growth of the whole person in a caring environment. Counselors work with students, faculty, administrators, support staff and parents to help students achieve academic and personal success.
College Counseling & Student Support
The Counseling Department works with students beginning in their freshman year as they transition to SHA from middle school. Starting sophomore year, we begin the college search process with our families in evening meetings and individual conferences. This continues through Junior and Senior year when students apply to college. We also help students with course selection, provide academic support and personal support.
The Counseling curriculum includes the following for students and families:
Freshman Year
All freshmen are supported by Jeanne Mazzariello, Pastoral & Freshman Counselor, who meets with them both in Freshman Transition and in individual meeting during the school year.
Sophomore Year
Beginning sophomore year, students will start working with their College Counselor, who will support them through graduation. Over the course of sophomore year, students take the PSAT, are invited with their parents to a Sophomore College Planning evening in March and meet with their counselor in the spring for individual conferences to discuss college and career planning, course selection, and begin exploring with Naviance, our college and career web-based planning resource. Counselors are available for student support throughout the school year when needed.
Junior Year
Juniors will continue college planning with their counselor starting with the PSAT and followed by Junior College Night in January for students and parents. Individual student/parent conferences are scheduled throughout the winter to help students navigate their college search to find colleges that are a good fit for their personal and academic strengths as well as their future career aspirations. Counselors are available for student support throughout the school year when needed.
Senior Year
Early in September, seniors and their parents are invited to Senior College Application Night, which is the kick-off for applying to college. Personalized senior conferences are scheduled during the fall to go over all aspects of the college application process. Counselor support continues throughout the entire senior year through the May decision deadline.
Pastoral Counseling
Because each person’s emotional, spiritual, and educational journeys are closely intertwined, the role of the Pastoral Counselor is to provide care, support and guidance that integrates theological and psychological perspectives. Whether a student is in crisis, or simply seeking personal growth, the Pastoral Counselor can be a mentor through the process of exploring, gaining insight and developing strategies for action that may be necessary to promote wholeness.
RecentCollege Acceptances
Kerry Alexander • department Chair
Mrs. Alexander received her B.S. in Psychology from The State University of New York at Geneseo, her M.S. in School Counseling from Long Island University and her 6th Year P.D. in Educational Leadership from Southern CT State University. Starting at SHA in 2009, Mrs. Alexander is the Director of College & School Counseling as well as the Sophomore Class Co-Moderator. Outside of SHA, she enjoys camping, hiking, visiting National Parks, and other weekend adventures.
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