20 School Counselors Who Make a Difference

If you’ve had the good fortune to work with smart, savvy, compassionate school counselors, then you know how much they can make a difference in students’ lives. They’re always a few steps ahead, thinking about the goals you’ll need to set—and achieve—to make your dreams come true. They will constantly encourage you to realize your biggest, boldest dreams.

Say you’re interested in engineering. Your school counselor will help you identify engineering extracurriculars or internships, working to get you financial aid if you need it. Then, your school counselor will be there to help you build a course schedule that will make you a competitive candidate for higher education engineering programs. You’ll be taking the right courses, getting the tutoring and other help you need, and building your resume. Ultimately, your school counselor will give you the tools to identify your best-fit colleges, and serve as your tireless advocate in helping you gain admission. 

Then your school counselor will turn around and do all those things for scores of other students. 

Sound like a superhuman job? That’s because it is. In celebration of National School Counseling Week, February 4–8, 2019, we at The Princeton Review are shining a light on school counselors across the country who are making a difference in their students’ lives.

There are many, many more amazing counselors not featured in this article. We want to hear about them! Tweet us your stories about how your school counselor made a difference in your life.

Michael Acquilano
Director of College Guidance
Staten Island Academy, Staten Island, NY

Why he loves his work: “Working with high school students at a very delicate time in their lives is challenging, inspiring, and fulfilling. Like Mr. Holland in Mr. Holland’s Opus, our time in the education profession is measured by the lives we help alter and enrich. Getting students excited about college and all that the experience has to offer is what motivates me day after day and year after year. My own college experience was transformative in so many ways. To be able to say that thirty years after graduation is the aspiration I have for all students.”

His advice for students: “In your search, focus on the community you will be joining in college. Too many students focus on where a college ranks and underestimate the importance of the campus environment. Many think, ‘I’ll just adapt when I get there,’ but the prevalence of students transferring from four-year schools nationwide suggests that true, honest fit is not being taken into consideration. And along with that, don’t underestimate the challenges of transitioning from high school to college. Be patient. Be resilient.”

Something you may not know about him: “I have been involved in counseling and/or higher education for 29 years, including time in admissions at Hobart College and Wagner College, and for the past 22 years, at Staten Island Academy.”

Henry DelAngelo
School Counselor
Joel Barlow High School, Redding, CT

Why he loves his work: “What I love most about my work is every student is different, and working with them gives me an opportunity to get to know them better on many levels to truly find a place where they will thrive and not just survive. It fills my heart with joy when I follow up with them after a semester or two on campus and they say, ‘This year is going absolutely amazing. Coming to school here is the best thing that could have happened to me.’”

His advice for students: “Take your time and do not rush to judgment. Look beyond the superficial. You need to know what you like and what you do not like. Keep in mind what you want, but never forget what you actually need.”

Something you may not know about him: “I am a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC), a mentor for the NEACAC Rising Leaders Program, a fellow at Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence (I am a social-emotional learning evangelist), and a member of the Counselor Advisory Board for Miami University and Ithaca College. I believe leveraging social media is an important key in the college search journey.”

Deadra Faulkner
District Director of Guidance
Westbury Public Schools, Old Westbury, NY

How she helps students each day: “My role as a District Director of Guidance is instrumental to the personal development of students from a three-tiered approach. Academic guidance, personal development, and college and career readiness counseling are the pillars for student development and academic success. ‘Making a Difference’ is the Westbury Union Free School District school counselor motto. We work tirelessly to support the social and emotional, academic, and personal needs of all students in the WUFSD.”

What she loves most about her work: “What I love most about my role as a school counselor leader is my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of students on a one-to-one basis; fostering growth and professionalism in my school counseling team; and demonstrating passion for my career by modeling a great work ethic and resilience for the past 25 years. We embrace the daily tasks as well as develop a visionary approach by creating innovative programs for our students.”

How she supports student growth: “In addition to the day-to-day work of academic advisement, college guidance, and career readiness planning, some of our programs in action include the creation of a career speaker series to support awareness of new and exciting career fields, social-emotional workshops (healthy communication skills, etiquette, and soft skills), and career readiness mock interview conferences.”

Her advice for students: “Tap into your brilliance! All students have the capacity to be creative and innovative. Find your passion, and commit to making a positive impact on your community and beyond. Develop a growth mindset, and be persistent in striving for success.”

Robert Harry
Director of College Counseling
Saint James School, Hagerstown, MD

Why he loves his work: “Empowering students to embrace their own narrative is what I enjoy most about my job because it makes the college application experience authentic and genuine. Colleges and universities need individuals who are courageous enough to question the world around them, become innovative thinkers, and advocate for others. However, it all starts with the process of self-actualization.”

His advice for students: “High school will be challenging, so learn from your mistakes or missteps. You shouldn't aim for perfection, but rather continued growth.”

What he thinks students should consider: “Don't be afraid to cross oceans to explore your university options—the world is smaller than you might think. My graduate work abroad was just as fulfilling as my undergraduate studies in the U.S.”

Kelsey Hollingsworth
School Counselor
Calabasas High School, Calabasas, CA

Why she loves her work: “In my role over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to work in the most rewarding field, guiding students through some of the most challenging experiences of their lives. Being able to watch my students grow into independent and resilient young adults, year after year, is truly a privilege.”

How her background serves her work: “I have known that I wanted to be a school counselor since I was 17 years old because of the positive impact my high school counselor made on my life.”

Her favorite quotation: “If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means First Attempt In Learning.” —A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Nikki Hostnik
Associate Director of College Counseling
Saint Louis Priory School, St. Louis, MO

Why she loves her work: “That’s easy: the students! I love that each student is so different, with different needs and goals. I work with everyone, and they all get my full attention.”

How she advocates for students: “The students who make their way to my office to talk about the college search process are all at different stages. Some already have parent expectations weighing on them, some have a slight idea of what they want, and others are completely lost. A student came to me last year and proudly announced that he would be my ‘most difficult case ever.’ He told me that he had no idea what he wanted to do or where he wanted to look, had no inspiration for a grand essay, didn’t agree with his parents on much, and wasn’t sure I could help him. I didn’t flinch. After multiple conversations casually getting to know him and how his brain works, and doing a lot of brainstorming that resulted in amazing essay writing, he is now a senior having great success in the college admission process—and coming to my office to let me know which honors programs he is applying to and which scholarship applications he needs a rec for. He is owning his college process and succeeding. It’s amazing having the privilege to help students find the path and stay on it. When they start stepping off, I just nudge them back on. They do the rest!”

Her advice for students : “In the back of my mind I often think about a favorite quote attributed to Mark Twain: ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.’ To all of my students, I say: Explore, keep an open mind, and have fun finding your ‘why.’”

Lisa H. Kaplan
School Counselor
Deep Run High School, Glen Allen, VA

Why she loves her work: “I love helping all students, but my favorite is helping students plan for college.”

How she advocates for students: “I worked with a student several years ago who was struggling with school. He almost didn’t graduate, but I was persistent and would even call his home and encourage him to come to school. He still comes back and sees me several times each year. He is finishing at Reynolds Community College and will enter Virginia Commonwealth University this fall.”

Her advice for students: “Never give up on your dreams.”

Her favorite quotation: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shana Lipscomb
College and Career Specialist
Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Why she loves her work: “I love that at EWHS we work hard to celebrate the opportunities and accomplishments of our students. We celebrate our 9th and 10th graders with a College Bound Scholarship (CBS) Re-Pledge event each winter. At that event, we remind CBS students about their potential to earn full-tuition scholarships if they graduate on time with a solid GPA, and we encourage them to create an academic or career-focused goal for themselves, which they place in a time capsule. In May of each year, we hold a senior Signing Day Celebration, in which we celebrate the decisions our seniors have made about their post–high school plans, whether to a four- or two-year college, an apprenticeship, or the military. At this celebration, we open up the time capsule, and students take photos in our Signing Day photo booth wearing college gear from their future colleges. They can later look back and see that all their hard work was worth it!”

How she and her colleagues advocate for students: “Our school was recently recognized with the Washington Student Achievement Council Plus 5 Push Award. We increased our Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) filing rate by more than five percent in one year. We are on track to increase that rate by an additional five percent this year. Making sure our seniors are prepared financially for college is an important part of preparing them for life.”

Her advice for students: “The college application and admissions process can be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help!”

Theresa Long
College Counselor
St. Francis High School, La Cañada, CA  

Why she loves her work: “This is my thirty-eighth year in education, and I still love what I do. How many people can say that? I appreciate that my career has afforded me numerous opportunities to make positive impacts on so many young people’s lives.”

How she advocates for students: “I once had a student who really wanted to play college football. Nobody—including him—thought he would meet the NCAA criteria. But we worked together, and he retook classes, went to summer school and night school, and then went on to play football at the University of Colorado. He is now 24 and a Seattle Seahawk. We are still very close because of our journey together.”

Her advice for students: “You can achieve whatever you set your mind to do. Go for it—aim high!”

Earl R. Macam, EdD
College Counselor, Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, St. Louis, MO
President, Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling

Why he loves his work: “I truly enjoy guiding students through their college search and seeing where they end their journey.”

How he advocates for students: “Within our school's four-year comprehensive college counseling curriculum, my colleagues and I work personally and extensively with all of our students and their families beginning in the freshman year. Our curriculum is so individualized that we have a vested interest in each student’s life and process. We stress individualism within the process. No two college searches look alike, even in the same family. My colleagues and I enjoy working with students over their four years at MICDS and telling college admission offices their unique stories. Every student has a distinct narrative, and it's our job as college counselors to convey that tale. Advocating on behalf of these students is the best part of what I do.”

Why fit is so important: “I recall a young lady who was devoted to her sport. Spent many hours at her club practicing, even working side jobs to spend more time around the sport and the club. After listening to her and understanding her desires and needs over the course of three years, we discovered a small gem of a school in the Chesapeake Bay area. A school she had never heard of, but we knew she could explore further. After she made a campus visit and met with students and coaches, the school was at the top of her list. Everything fit! The sport, the academics, the atmosphere. She was admitted and matriculated! Everything worked for her! A college that she had never known about was now going to be her next community. That's the essence of what we do as college counselors.”

His advice for students: “It is never too early to start the search process. In the earliest stages, it's about knowing who you are as a student. What you like, what you dislike, and what makes you tick. Then as you move through high school, the college search process is about fit, not about reward. Travel to a few campuses. See what each college is all about, and if you can see yourself there. I take pride in allowing my students to know themselves. The more they know about who they are, the better they can grow beyond MICDS!”

Kathy Morgan
Director of Guidance
Notre Dame Academy, Los Angeles, CA

Why she loves her work: “I love to see students set goals and pursue them as they move from freshman through senior year. It is tremendously rewarding to see students—some of whom face significant challenges—get accepted to their top-choice colleges through persistence and hard work. For instance, I had a first-generation student last year who, in addition to her coursework, attended summer programs, participated in several of our sports teams, and did a great deal of volunteer work over her four years at Notre Dame Academy. Her tireless efforts in all areas yielded acceptances to top-tier universities and a range of college options from which to choose. It was an absolute joy to see her hard work and determination pay off.”

Her advice to students: “Follow your passion and engage in your local and school community in whatever areas are of interest to you. Do your best to keep your grades competitive, and don't let small setbacks deter you from following your dreams.”

Dian Repp
Educator and College Coordinator
Concordia High School, Round Rock, TX

Why she loves her work: “It is a blessing to work with supportive faculty and amazing students at Concordia High School. As College Coordinator, I work very hard to ensure that my seniors are placed where they can continue to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I get the daily opportunity to guide my students toward fulfilling futures, and for that I am truly thankful!”

How she advocates for students: “One of my former students, who graduated two years ago, just told me that she woke up this morning thinking about where she was in life—and she’s in a much better place than she was a few years ago! She said she thought of our conversations and how I always empowered her with encouragement, which is the best part of my job. Then and there she decided to come see me today to tell me how much that had meant to her and to share that she is studying psychology to become a social worker who counsels people and saves them like she was saved at Concordia High School. Very touching!”

Her favorite quotation: “ Stand at the intersection of your affections [what you love to do] and successes [what you do well] and find your uniqueness [what you are called to do].” —Max Lucado

Elizabeth A. Roper 
Director of College and Academic Guidance 
The Ursuline School, New Rochelle, NY

Why she loves her work: “I enjoy advising students and families while supporting their exploration and discovery as they attain their personal and educational goals.” 

How her background serves her work:  “I am fortunate that both of my parents, neither of whom was college educated, instilled in me a love of learning both in and out of the classroom, along with a respect for education.” 

Her advice for students: “Yes, the college consideration process will be daunting: You will need to make time, you will need to make careful considerations, there will be dates and deadlines, there will be responsibilities, there will be expectations. And there will be the unknown and the uncertainty: Where will you be offered admission? Which school will be the best fit? But also realize that this is a great opportunity for you to make considerations and decisions, and an exciting time of growth, self-discovery, and new opportunities. You will have help and support from college professionals, school personnel, family members, and community members. Enjoy the discoveries and the opportunities!”

Casey Rowley
College Counselor
Beverly Hills High School, Beverly Hills, CA

Why she loves her work: “Helping students redefine what success means for them and their future is what drives me in my work. For me, the ability to work with students and help them see a number of options that can lead them to a positive trajectory in life is powerful. When one of my seniors got rejected from her dream school—and then shared her gratitude about finding success in losing, because of an email she’d received from me—it made an impact. The ability to help students find their own narrative, their own voice, and their own self-efficacy in the college admission process is the best part of my job.”

Her advice for students: “Own your story.”

How she connects with students 24/7: “I keep an active blog where I share college admission insights, college tours, and motivation. It’s a true passion project. In my travels I’ve been able to see the value of college fit and the incredible programs worldwide that can shape a young person’s life and ultimately career. Education is powerful, and I'm excited to be a part of it!”

Something you may not know about her: “I am also an adjunct professor at the University of La Verne, where I teach college and career development to graduate students. In addition, I am a member of both the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC).”

Lauren Sabia
Personal and Academic Counselor
Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, Alameda, CA

Why she loves her work: “I am privileged to be a caring adult to children and have an impact on their development into happy and healthy people.”

How she advocates for students: “I'm passionate about helping students take their next steps in life—whether it is a giant leap to a college across the country or a step to move forward from a painful life event.”

Her advice for students: “Develop your own definition of success, and take action steps to achieve it.”

Barbara Sams
Director of College Counseling
Whitfield School, St. Louis, MO

Why she loves her work: “I have been working with students and parents in the college admission process for more than thirty years now. Recently, a student came to visit me one cold Saturday afternoon while I was participating in a fundraising challenge with the Salvation Army. He could not wait until Monday morning to share the news of his acceptance to the University of Tulsa. It's moments like that, when a student is beaming from ear to ear and literally shaking with excitement, which make me say I have the best job in the building.”  

Her advice for students: “If I could offer one piece of advice to students and parents, it would be to remember that one of the best things about higher education in the United States is all of the wonderful choices available. Take the time to know yourself and what makes you successful, and then match that with schools. That is how your search becomes successful.”

What she hopes her students will remember: “The college choice is a process. It happens over time. Allow yourself the time to enjoy and to grow with the process.”

Michelle Snyder
College and Career Adviser
Crockett High School, Austin Independent School District, Austin, TX

Why she loves her work: “A student stopped by my office because he was uncertain about an email he received from a college. He handed me his phone with the email pulled up and looked at me expectantly. To my surprise, it was an email congratulating him on his admission. He doubted his chances so deeply that he wanted me to confirm his admission to college was real. To have the privilege of saying ‘Congratulations! You got in!’ and celebrating with a student who doubted college admission was possible is one of the highest honors of this job.”

Her advice for students: “Counselors want to help you, but we aren't always aware you are struggling or have questions unless you tell us. Ask for help when you need it!”

Ed Stone
College and Career Specialist
Freehold Regional High School District, Englishtown, NJ

Why he loves his work: “My position is unique in that I work throughout six different high schools to support the counselors and students on the college and career developmental process. It’s an amazing opportunity to try new, innovative things while also working to incorporate and share best practices across the district. Every day is different, and it is truly a privilege to help students plan, develop, and actualize their dreams after graduation!”

His advice for students: “Before deciding where to apply, spend time considering what you’ll need and want out of your college experience. Every college is different in its own unique way. Knowing what is most important for you before starting your search is the best way to identify options that appropriately fit YOU!”

Something you may not know about him: “Before taking on this position, I spent five years working in college admissions for Rider University and another two years working in career services for Shippensburg University.”

Judy Suchman
Director and Founder
Chappaqua Learning Center, Chappaqua, NY

Why she loves her work: “Some of my most rewarding moments are when former students drop in to update me on all they have accomplished since I saw them last, which, oftentimes, was ten or fifteen years ago, and then ask if I could counsel their own children.”

How her background serves her work: “My job as an independent college counselor involves so much more than helping students select their best-fit schools and plan their college visits. Having a unique background—as a biomedical researcher, recreational pilot, teacher, and (my passion) independent educational consultant—I am fortunate to have the experiences that enable me to guide my students from multiple perspectives. I encourage them not only to seek schools that fit their learning styles, personalities, desired locations, and aspirations, but also to understand the entire college application process and the best ways to prepare themselves for it.”

Her advice for students: “If I had to give students one piece of advice, it would be that they are more than just GPAs and standardized test scores. Since their application will be read holistically—placed within the context of their entire class and school community—they need to prepare themselves to stand above the crowd. Students should not only take APs and higher-level courses, but also become involved in community service, join clubs, and share their talents. I tell them, ‘Your performing at Carnegie Hall just takes practice, practice, practice; but sharing your talent with others takes heart: Volunteer to teach music lessons; organize fundraisers to support a charity; or establish a charity of your own.’ You definitely want to show that you are more than just grades and scores!”

Nanette Tarbouni
Director, College Counseling
John Burroughs School, St. Louis, MO

Why she loves her work: “I love working with students and being a small part of their journey in the college process. It is a joy to watch them find a college home where they thrive and are happy. And I love coming to work each day and learning something new from the students!”

Her advice for students: “There are so many wonderful colleges, you can find more than one that’s right for you. Know who you are and how you learn, and you will find a great home.”

Something you may not know about her: “For ten years, prior to coming to JBS, I was the director of admission at Washington University, where I worked in the admissions office for 26 years.”