Counselor's Notebook, March 2026

The Counselor’s Notebook

VOL. 62 NO. 7 __________

MAR 2026

MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S ASSOCIATION

Finding the Silver Lining in the Longest Month

By Ali Robidoux, MASCA Board Chair & Conference Committee Chair

March is a unique time in education. While the calendar says it has thirty-one days, school counselors know it feels much longer. Since there are no holidays or long weekends to break up the weeks, it becomes a marathon of endurance.

For educators, March is a month where the usual school rhythm slows down and the daily grind becomes the focus.

Without a vacation to break the momentum, the lessons stay fresh in their minds, making it a productive season of discovery.

In high schools, the month is dominated by scheduling. The days are filled with one-on-one meetings, credit checks, and fitting elective requests into a master schedule. Because there are no breaks to reset At the elementary level, this time of year is Ali Robidoux, Board Chair the clock, the momentum remains unbrodefined by the weather.

The daily struggle of deciding between ken. It is the one time of year where a indoor and outdoor recess is a constant major project can be started and finished theme. It is often a period of recess pur- in one continuous push. The length of gatory where the ground is too muddy the month allows for a level of focused for the playground but the energy is too work that is not possible during more high for the gym. However, this lack of frantic times. outdoor time is an advantage. With students staying in the building, there is a The turning point of this long stretch, if it captive audience for classroom lessons. is hard to keep going, is the MASCA AnWithout the interruptions of field trips or nual Conference from March 15-17. This holiday celebrations, a counselor can event is the essential mental break of the finally find the time to connect with stu- season, arriving right when mid-month fatigue starts. It is a necessary escape dents. from the scheduling office and the cafFor those in middle schools, March is eteria. Stepping away to talk with cola great window for career exploration. leagues who understand the highs and Because the calendar is clear of dis- lows of this profession. This networking tractions, it is the best month to get into and professional development event ofclassrooms and help students map out fers the recharge needed to return to the their interests. This block of time al- building and finish the month with more lows for direct conversations about how energy. I hope to see you there! their strengths connect to future goals.

’s n e m W o o ry t His th! n Mo 2 Director’s Message 3 Awareness Dates 4 New Members 5 Women’s Colleges 6 Conference & PDP’s 7 Anti-Semitism 8 Women in School Counseling 9 Language of Hope 11 MASCA & Me 12 Directory 13 MASCA’s Mission

Director’s Message 2026 National School Counseling Week - A Huge Success!

By Bob Bardwell, MASCA Executive Director

Why is this week so important and worth all this effort? It is important because it helps amplify the role and importance of school counselors. Hearing from Henry Wan, the 2026 School Counselor of the Year at the State House and having legislators and staff show up to celebrate school counselors is super important. Being able to take part in professional development opportunities and highlight the critical role that school counselors play in a student’s academic, social emotional and career development is so valuable. Our virtual recognition gala not only provides the opportunity to announce our colleagues who are being honored this year, but also for friends and family to join the presentation to hear about all of the great colleagues being recognized. And finally, providing time for our colleagues to have fun, network and practice self-care is essential to support one another and not burn out.

A huge thank you is needed to recognize the many folks who helped make this week the huge success that it was. These people include:

Bob Bardwell School Counselors Amplify Success, the theme for the 2026 National School Counseling Week, is now in the history books. MASCA’s 2026 version included 17 events, seven virtual and 10 in person. There were also eight regional meetups from the Berkshires to the Cape. Hundreds of counselors, colleagues and family members attended one or more of these events. It is probably one of the most, if not the most successful celebratory week we have ever coordinated.

Personally, I attended 12 of the 17 events, and the only reason that I did not attend more was because they were happening at the same time and often in locations not near each other. I put on 705 miles on my car attending seven of the ten in-person events. Some folks thought I was crazy for all of that travel but I think it is important for me, the Executive Director, to be visible and seen as much as possible. Besides, at each event I met members and had great conversations and interactions.

As much work that the week required to plan, coordinate and execute, the end result was certainly worth it. Being able to celebrate our profession and provide professional development and networking opportunities across the state are the main goals of the week. And we certainly achieved that and then some.

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School mental health webinar panelists Sugeily Santos, School Counselor, Curley K-8 School Boston, Nyki Clark, School Adjustment Counselor, Gardner High School and Andrew Nickerson, Narragansett Regional High School, School Psychologist.

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Claudia Smith and Ryan Beck for virtually highlighting resources available to counselors at UMASS Amherst.

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Amanda Berg, Juliette Coatsworth, Fran Frederick and Craig Parker, members of the MASCA Government Relations and Advocacy Committee who brought back our Day on the Hill advocacy event at the State House.

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Attorney General Andrea Campbell, State Senator Jake Oliveira, and State Representatives Lindsay Sabadosa and Erica Uyterhoeven, MTA Vice-President Deb McCarthy, and 2026 School Counselor of the Year Henry Wan for speaking at the Day on the Hill event and providing inspiration and education about the advocacy process.

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Mindy Cripps for organizing and executing two sessions of virtual BINGO which (continued next page) Counselor’s Notebook

NCSW Success (continued from previous page)

provided a chance to relax and have fun with clues all related to school counseling.

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Tama Lang and Dina Sibilia for organizing the annual Virtual Recognition Gala, when nine of our current and future colleagues were honored for their achievements in our field. (Don’t worry if you missed the gala as they will also be honored again at the spring conference during the Monday, March 16 luncheon.)

Chris Soverow for sharing her time and expertise in supporting the well-being of our colleagues for conducting the Friday Mindfulness Reset.

Jackie Lundstrum, Kathi Moody, Lauren Gee, Sean Kingman, Charlsey Penney, Josh Mendel, Tama Lang, Rani Gould, Lucas Correia-Covert, Jen McGuire, Ali Robidoux and Rashaun Martin for their help in organizing and executing the eight regional meetups throughout the week across the state.

MARCH AWARENESS DATES Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Self-Injury Awareness Month Gender Equality Month Middle-Level Education Month Music in Our Schools Month Women’s History Month 1 Self-Injury Awareness Day 2 SEL Day 2 Read Across America Day 2–6 National School Breakfast Week 8 International Women’s Day 8–14 National Sleep Awareness Week

As you can see, it takes a village to plan and execute these numerous events throughout the week. I am hopeful that you were one of the hundreds of folks who were able to participate in this annual celebration of school counseling.

If not, then there is always next year, February 1-5, 2027, as NSCW is always the first full week of February.

21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

If the idea of planning and implementing these types of NSCW events interests you, then perhaps you want to help MASCA ensure the 2027 edition is equally as exciting and enjoyable.

Planning will start in October and will conclude by early February. Please let me know and I can add you the 2027 planning group.

WON’T YOU JOIN US?

I hope that you had a great NSCW and that you received lots of attention and praise for all that you do for your students, colleagues, families and the communities in which you work. You absolutely deserve to be the center of attention, at least during the first full week of February each year.

• Professional Development

21 World Down Syndrome Day 31 Transgender Day of Visibility

Just some of the Benefits of MASCA Membership:

• Networking Opportunities Opportunities / PDP’s • Annual Professional Conference • Members-only Special Interest Groups • Advocacy and Legislative Action Go to https://masca.wildapricot.org/join-us

March 2026

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New MASCA Members Tania Altidor Brendan Amedio Pauline Avery Stephen Babbitt Kelsey Barksdale Kristie Borges Isaiah Buster Jeffrey Capuzziello Andi Cerio Bethanie Chandler Nadia Cyprien Debbie Cyr Melissa Dawson Alessandra Diamantis Amanda Duffy Tom Egan Rahme Eldada Lauren Enos Katie Ertel Jamie Farnham Celeste Freeman Hannah Gabriel Kristen Gobiel Lauren Griffin

Carrie Hamblin

Frantz Paillant

Caryn Haskins

Raya Qu

Lurena Hood

Martha Queenin

Amanda Huszar

Sabrina Remache

Tanya Jamieson

Natalie Robinson

Mary Kate Jones

Ashley Rollins

Riley Keene

Hannah Rutkiewicz

Olivia Keller

Scot Schaming

Jenny Kim

Sarah Shapiro

Deirdre Kinnane

Maggie Shih

Heather Kinney

Matthew Small

Nicole LaRoche

Trevor Smith

Clare Markey

Anita Smith

Simone Matthews

Cassie Smith

Rongina McClelland

David Starr

Stacy McFadden

Sydney Sullivan

Matthew Medugno

Victoria Tynan

Stephanie Michael

Linda Urban-Lyon

Arielle Mossberg

Caroline Uzenski

Claire Mullan

Aaron VanDeKoppel

Liz Murphy

Claudia Vanegas

Mike Ng

Nathan Wilcox

Allison O’Donnell

Megan Willey

Emily O’Neil

Kiyanna Wise

Abraham Orsorio

If you know or happen to meet any of our new members, please extend a very warm welcome!

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Counselor’s Notebook

Women’s History Month and Historically Women’s Colleges

By Julie Cahill-O’Shea, MASCA member, Governing Board secretary and School Counselor,Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School

I began writing with the intention of sharing ideas on how school counselors can promote and celebrate Women’s History Month. According to History.com, Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history. The idea which began in a school district in California, quickly gained momentum in communities and schools across the country. In 1981, the United States Congress passed a resolution establishing a national celebration. In 1987, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the observance to the entire month of March.

en’s college and as a public high school counselor advising students on postsecondary options.

As society continues to examine the evolving role of liberal arts institutions, historically women’s colleges deserve thoughtful attention as well. https:// womenscolleges.org/history/. Women’s colleges educate students who identify as women and offer a range of institutional models, including traditional liberal arts colleges, historically Black women’s colleges, and women’s colleges housed within larger co-ed universities. Each provides students with a strong sense of identity, belonging and confidence in their academic abilities.

With this history in mind, counselors may opt to coordinate the following ideas to recognize the month. It is essential that we intentionally celebrate individuals who identify as women across diverse races, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds to foster inclusivity. Numerous online resources are available to support and enhance these efforts.

Graduates of women’s colleges have long been trailblazers across disciplines. Notable alumnae include: ●

Virginia Apgar – Mount Holyoke College

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Stacey Abrams – Spelman College

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Pearl Buck – Randolph–Macon Woman’s College

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Benazir Bhutto – Radcliffe College

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Host career panels featuring local female professionals

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Coordinate mentorship programs that connect girls with women leaders

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Rachel Carson – Chatham University

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Julia Child – Smith College

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Highlight influential women through school announcements

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Hillary Rodham Clinton – Wellesley College

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Create themed bulletin boards

Emily Dickinson – Mount Holyoke Female Seminary

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Write articles or produce podcasts for the school or local newspaper

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Betty Friedan – Smith College

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Gabrielle Giffords – Scripps College

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Share educational content on social media platforms such as Instagram

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Katharine Hepburn – Bryn Mawr College

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Gwen Ifill – Simmons College

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Assign oral history projects focused on women in the community

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Jhumpa Lahiri – Barnard College

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Margaret Mead – Barnard College

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Pamela Melroy – Wellesley College

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Nancy Pelosi – Trinity Washington University

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Frances Perkins – Mount Holyoke College

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Sylvia Plath – Smith College

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Diane Sawyer – Wellesley College

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Gloria Steinem – Smith College

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Alice Walker – Spelman College

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Promote library resources featuring works by and about influential women

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Host a virtual college fair featuring historically women’s colleges to inform students about these unique educational opportunities.

As I reflect further, I would also like to share the benefits of attending a women’s college, based on my experiences as both a graduate of a womMarch 2026

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Don’t miss MASCA’s Spring Conference. Register NOW! Advance Registration available through March 11 LOOKING FOR pdps and/or CEs? If you are attending the MASCA 2026 Spring Conference you can earn PDPs and/or CEs as a result of your conference experience.

PDPs - There is a $30 charge for PDPs. You must log into your MASCA account where you can register and pay online (or create an invoice). You will receive an email when the conference begins with the link to the form you complete. It is important to understand that applying for PDPs is separate from your conference registration and they must be done separately.

Additionally, you will not be issued your PDPs until your invoice has been paid. You have to attend (or view virtual content) for a minimum of 10 hours but you can earn more if you watch the recorded content. The deadline to submit the PDP form is Friday, June 12, 2026.

CEs - There is a $80 charge to earn up to 8 PDPs. You will be given specific instructions at the beginning of every session/keynote as to what you do to get credit for that session. You can only earn CEs for in-person sessions. You will need to register and pay online (or create an invoice). It is important to understand that applying for CEs is separate from your conference registration. Additionally, you will not be issued your CEs until your invoice has been paid. The deadline to submit the CE form is Friday, March 27, 2026. Register here for the CE option.

If you have any questions about the PDP or CE process, please email Ali Robidoux, PDP/CE Coordinator.

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Counselor’s Notebook

Creating Inclusive School Communities for All Students: Awareness of Antisemitism

By Amanda Berg, MASCA Diversity Fellow As school counselors, we are often one of the first safe and trusted adults students turn to when they need support. As we continue working to build inclusive school communities, I wanted to share a course I recently completed that deepened my understanding of antisemitism and Jewish identity. Although I’m not Jewish, I gained a lot from this learning experience. It helped me ask better questions and think about how we can create a school where students feel supported and valued.

One resource connected to that learning is Reconstructing Judaism, a national Jewish movement and educational organization. Their website,https://www.reconstructingjudaism.org offers accessible background information and thoughtful perspectives that can help expand our understanding and better support Jewish students in our schools.

tism that surfaces on the left is not essential, and can and should be addressed.”

This distinction is helpful for educators: antisemitism can emerge in different political or social spaces, but it should always be addressed clearly and consistently, regardless of where it appears.

Why This Matters in Schools Schools play a critical role in: ●

Creating safe and inclusive environments

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Responding promptly to bias incidents

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Educating students about historical and contemporary forms of prejudice

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Supporting students who may feel targeted or marginalized

Naming antisemitism clearly helps staff respond effectively and ensures students feel seen, protected, and supported.

Antisemitism has existed for centuries and continues to evolve in modern contexts.

Rabbi Mordechai Liebling, in “A Brief History and Update on Antisemitism” (March 12, 2021), notes: “Antisemitism holds a central and essential place in the world view of contemporary American white nationalists.

By contrast, antisemi-

March 2026

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Women’s History Month: The Rise of Women in School Counseling

By Cynthia Esielionis, Governing Board Member and, MA Comprehensive School Counseling Team Co-Chair.

Each March, Women’s History Month invites us to recognize the achievements, leadership, and resilience of women. For school counselors, this celebration holds particular significance. The field of school counseling, originally shaped by male leaders, has evolved through the influence of innumerable women whose advocacy, scholarship, and service have advanced educational equity and student well-being.

One foundational figure is Jesse B. Davis, often credited with establishing early school guidance programs in the early 20th century in Michigan public schools. As the profession evolved, leaders such as Norman C. Gysbers helped transform guidance from the early, reactive vocational focus for a few into comprehensive, developmental school counseling programs grounded in data and systemic support for all students. While pioneers like Gysbers shaped the structural framework of the profession, women increasingly became its backbone—serving not only as practitioners, but also as leaders, researchers, and policy advocates.

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has been significantly influenced by women leaders who helped develop national standards and comprehensive school counseling models that emphasize eq-

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uity, access, and systemic change. Their leadership has strengthened industry professional standards and the focus on the school counselors’ role in closing opportunity gaps, promoting achievement for all students while expecting ethical excellence is maintained.

National leaders have elevated the importance of counseling-related work in schools. During her tenure as First Lady, Michelle Obama promoted college access and completion through the Reach Higher initiative, encouraging students—particularly first-generation and underrepresented youth—to pursue postsecondary education. Her advocacy aligns closely with school counselors’ efforts to expand college and career readiness and dismantle barriers to opportunity.

selors to recognize the impact of their work. Success often shows quietly—in improved student confidence, academic persistence, and moments of connection—despite obstacles faced by students, counselors, and educational systems these achievements are evident!

Acknowledging these achievements isn’t self-congratulation; it’s reflection that reinforces our mission, highlights the power of advocacy, and reconnects us to our “why.” Celebrating progress, even small, sustains both student growth and our own professional resilience.

Women’s History Month reminds us that school counseling is both a profession and a movement— rooted in advocacy, shaped by visionary leaders, and sustained by the dedication of both the women and men committed to empowering every student.

Women have historically comprised the majority of practicing school counselors in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).

Their leadership has been instrumental in advancing trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive counseling frameworks, and ethical standards. Scholars such as Carolyn Stone have contributed essential research on ethics and legal issues, strengthening professional practice and student protections.

Sources:

Even on challenging days, it’s important for school coun-

Career Development Quarterly, v57 n3 p248-258 (Mar 2009)

American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (n.d.). ASCA National Model.

Gysbers, N. C., & Henderson, P. (2012). Developing and Managing Your School Guidance and Counseling Program.

Obama, M. (n.d.). Reach Higher Initiative.

Stone, C. (2017). School Counseling Principles: Ethics and Law. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: School and Career Counselors and Advisors.

Counselor’s Notebook

The Language of Hope: Dr. Anne Bodmer Lutz and the Power of Collective Support

By Nyki Clark, LMHC and MASCA SIG Leader

For Women’s History Month, we Dr. Lutz’s path is rooted in a procelebrate the amazing women found family history of courage. around us, the ones that make As the daughter of refugees from up our family, our friends, our coNazi Germany, she carries a legacy workers and the trailblazers who of survival and determination. Her redefine their fields while lifting grandmother, a modern dancer others as they climb. The powand suffragette, and her mother that amazing women have to er—who left Nazi Germany for continue to support and fix each Switzerland, where she focused other’s crowns in all aspects of on her career as a figure skater, our lives is invaluable. Having traveled to the United States with strong female mentors to provide four young children to join her encouragement, professional suhusband, a theoretical physicist. pervision, and a space to reach And she continued to be a leader out is not just a benefit—it is a nein the world of figure skating, with cessity. I recognize my immense coaching and judging the sport— privilege in being supported by providing the early blueprints for an incredibly welcoming group of Dr. Anne Bodmer Lutz what it means to be a “loud and school counselors and psycholosuccessful” woman. gists, including a colleague, Karen Anne’s own journey was not linMcCrillis, honored as a Massachusetts School ear; she transitioned from the discipline of figCounselor of the Year. The amazing women I ure skating to the front lines of nursing, evenwork closely with for our SIG (Special Interest tually finding her calling in child psychiatry.

Groups), Anne Thidemann French and Kate This diverse background allowed her to bring Niedel, who both hold so much experience and a unique perspective to mental health—one knowledge. I am equally fortunate to count Dr. that prioritizes dignity and agency. Early in her Anne Bodmer Lutz not only as a neighbor and medical school training, she was encouraged friend, but as a profound mentor and teacher by a professor to reach out to Insoo Kim Berg, who embodies the spirit of professional support. a woman, a refugee, a trailblazer in Milwaukee, Dr. Anne Bodmer Lutz, a psychiatrist, educator, who was making a difference. Insoo and her and author whose career is a testament to the partner Steve, were developing a new way of transformative power of Solution-Focused Brief supporting others, not focusing on problems, Therapy and the importance of a supportive but rather hope. This phone call, that Insoo was community. not expecting, led Dr. Lutz, to solution focused During a quiet February break, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Anne Bodmer Lutz.

Our conversation began simply—catching up on a long, snowy winter and checking in on our families and animals. But as we spoke, the dialogue shifted toward the roots of her success: the strength of the women and the compassionate men who supported her goals from the beginning and continue to do so today. This interview served as a powerful reminder that the need for collective support isn’t just a personal luxury; it is a necessity in every aspect of our lives, especially within our places of work.

March 2026

brief therapy and additional mentors and support with Insoo and Steve. Having been trained directly by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer, the founders of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dr. Lutz dedicated over 30 years to bringing hope into clinical conversations. For decades, she operated as a “lone wolf,” advocating for a positive, hopeful approach in a medical field often strictly focused on pathology and problems. As a founder of The Institute of Solution Focused Therapy, she continues to teach, share and mentor others. (continued next page) Page 9

The Language of Hope (continued from previous page)

Her perseverance paid off. A significant milestone for the field was reached when she authored the first-ever chapter on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for the 11th edition of Kaplan and Sadock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry.

She also teaches this to Psychiatry students in their course work. Her work has since reached hundreds of organizations, from schools and healthcare systems to military settings, helping families navigate trauma and substance use with a focus on their strengths rather than their deficits, including MASCA. She has been a guest speaker on two occasions for the school social worker/ school adjustment counselor SIG meetings and last winter held a full day immersive training at Fitchburg State University.

Dr. Lutz’s success was not achieved in isolation.

She often speaks of the “loud and successful” women who encouraged her along the way.

She credits her mentor, Insoo Kim Berg, with not only introducing her to the solution-focused

model but also helping her navigate the rigid hierarchies of healthcare. She has a group of women Physicians whom she continues to meet with monthly for supervision, mentorship and support.

As we looked toward the future of education and mental health, our conversation kept returning to a single, vital necessity: the need for ongoing supervision and mentorship. In helping professions—”where women are often under-compensated and under-supported”—mentorship is the bridge that carries us through the most challenging seasons of our careers.

My own transition from private practice to school counseling taught me that while the school environment is deeply engaging, it can also be isolating. Coming into the system with established clinical skills, I was fortunate to be mentored by Karen McCrillis. Her guidance, along with the support of Anne Thidemann French and Kate Niedel SIG co-leaders, underscored that we cannot—and should not—work in a vacuum.

Whether it is navigating the complexities of learning accommodations or providing mental health support in high-needs settings, having a “strong woman in your corner” is what transforms a difficult job into a sustainable calling.

Historically Women’s Colleges (continued from page 5)

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Barbara Walters – Sarah Lawrence College

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Madame Chiang Kai-shek – Wellesley College

As noted in a LinkedIn article, Notable Women and their Alma Maters by Margaretta Colangelo “Many graduates of women’s colleges have been preeminent in their respective fields and many have been the first woman in their field.

Women’s college graduates are twice as likely as female graduates of co-ed colleges and universities to earn a Ph.D., attend medical school, be involved in philanthropic activities, attain higher positions in their careers, and earn higher incomes.

Only 2% of female college graduates attended a women’s college, yet 30% of female executives and 20% of women in Congress attended a women’s college. Women’s colleges produce disproportionately high numbers of alumnae who go

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into male dominated fields such as STEM, business, medicine, law, and politics. 3/4 of the women’s college graduates are in the work force and over 80% have earned advanced degrees. In 1915 during women’s suffrage in the US, many of the marches were organized and led by students and alumnae of women’s colleges.”

CollegeWise offers a relevant guidebook on the topic: https://womenscolleges.org/wp-content/ uploads/report/files/main/guide_to_womens_colleges.pdf And with that, I share my alma mater’s motto: Non Ministrari sed Ministrare — “Not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” It reflects a commitment to service, leadership, and making a meaningful difference in the world — the very ideals every school counselor I have met aspires to embody.

Counselor’s Notebook

Christine Shaw

Director School Counseling Program Merrimack College Why are you a MASCA member? connections to my peers, counselors and students What makes you unique as a school counselor?

As an educator of future counselors, I think my passion for our field and working toward documenting our impact through research make me excited every day to teach and advise.

What inspires you about being a school counselor?

I am inspired by the thoughtfulness of the future counselors I get to work with, and then I am in awe of them when they enter the profession and I get to see their growth and involvement in MASCA and the community.

What career would you be doing if you were not a school counselor?

I also work as an EMT , so I would probably be doing more of that and volunteering with the American Red Cross more.

What is your favorite tool to use in your work as a school counselor?

As a school counselor educator, my favorite ‘tool’ so to speak is asking a question the invokes thought.

What words do you live by?

Peace - It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things and still be calm in your heart.

Why is it important to you to be part of a community of school counselors?

We help young people develop their resiliency to weather the bumps in life, discover their light & move toward the future with hope.

March 2026

How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?

I work at a college and help people who want to work in schools supporting you and your friends learn about yourself, the world around you and how to be healthy and happy.

How do you decompress/eliminate stress or refuel for the next day?

Get outside. “into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul” What brings you joy?

Hearing that someone saved a life, helped someone find their power.

Also a good laugh is always uplifting.

Share an example of something that you learned from one of your students.

Oh my one lesson? That’s a tough question. I am constantly learning from my students. I am learning that there is always a new way to look at something, that curiosity allows us to come with an open mind, and that the future holds unknown promises yet to be discovered.

What is your favorite dessert? chocolate mousse

What is your typical breakfast? coffee What is one thing that you are really good at? growing stuff that Im not sure is a plant or a weed.

What is your coffee order? favorite: cappuccino . But Ill settle for coffee with milk What could you talk about for 30 minutes with no notes?

Just about anything.... though Mental Health First Aid is definitely a favorite topic What is your favorite smell and why?

Eucalyptus - Got to smell this in the wild growing, such a clean and pure smell Do you have any hidden talents?

I hope so, but they must still be hiding What TV show are you currently binge watching? The PITT

What is your guilty pleasure?

What book are you currently reading? What is the author?

French fries

Lilith by NIKKI MARMERY

What superpower do you wish you had?

What is something you think people don’t know about you?

hum..... Im sort of impressed with people who have lots of patience. : )

I lived in Germany for five years as a child.

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MASCA Governing Board and Staff Directory GOVERNING BOARD Chair: Ali Robidoux School Adjustment Counselor New Bedford Public Schools Assistant Chair: Cory McGann School Counseling Department Head Ashland High School Board Members Mindy Cripps Director of School Counseling Billerica High School John Crocker Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services Methuen Public Schools Jessica Descartes School Counselor Tech Boston Academy Andrea Encarnacao School Counselor Boston Latin School Cynthia Esielionis School Counselor Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School Lori Ford School Counselor Edgartown School, Martha’s Vineyard Amanda Ugrinow School Counselor Westborough High School COMMITTEES Conference Ali Robidoux School Adjustment Counselor New Bedford Public Schools Ethics Mindy Cripps Guidance Director Billerican High School Fiscal Oversight John Crocker Director of School Mental Health & Behavioral Services Methuen Public Schools Government Relations & Advocacy Juliette Coatsworth School Counselor Foxborough Regional Charter School Fran Frederick School Adjustment Counselor Belchertown High School Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Vacant MA Model Jodi Then School Counselor Snowden International School, Boston Cynthia Esielionis School Counselor Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School Member Services Tama Lang School Counselor Litwin Elementary School, Chicopee Nomination and Bylaws Jessica Descartes School Counselor Tech Boston Academy

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Professional Recognition Dina Sibilia School Counselor West Springfield High School Tama Lang School Counselor Litwin Elementary School, Chicopee Publicity Luz Mederos Dorleans School Counselor Boston Latin Academy Chris Soverow Retired School Counselor Research and Evaluation Tim Poynton Professor UMASS Boston School Counselor Pipeline Jessica Almeida School Counselor Quinn Middle School, Hudson Jennifer McGuire College & Career Information Coordinator New Bedford Public Schools Strategic Planning Kerry Bartlett School Counselor Hudson High School Technology Jennifer McGuire College & Career Information Coordinator New Bedford Public Schools APPOINTED POSITIONS Executive Director & Membership Coordinator Bob Bardwell Secretary Julia Cahill-O’Shea Counselors Notebook & Tech Coordinator Jean Atwater-Williams Mentoring Coordinator Maryanne Margiotta Program Review Coordinator Kari Denitzio Diversity Fellows Amanda Berg ESP, Granby Elementary School Roz Riggins-DesRuisseux School Counselor Snowden International School, Boston Denise Evans School Counselor The Carroll School JC Topete Martinez School Counselor Boston Latin School PDP Coordinator Ali Robidoux School Adjustment Counselor New Bedford Public Schools LIAISONS Affiliate Liaison Christine Weissman School Adjustment Counselor Athol Community Elementary School Counselor Educator Liaison Megan Krell Associate Professor Fitchburg State University

DESE Liaison Lisa Harney MA Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education Emerging Leader Liaisons Cory McGann School Counseling Department Head Ashland High School Courtney Royal School Counselor Gloucester High School Graduate Student Liaisons Ryan Beck Gradudate Student UMASS Amherst Rachel Flagg Gradudate Student Assumption University Nicole Ward Gradudate Student Boston University EMERGING LEADERS Allison Brann School Counselor Athol-Royalston Community School Charlsey Penney School Counselor Challenge & Reach Academy, Worcester Jen Pinhal Early College School Counselor New Bedford High School Sara Runkle School Counselor Kiley Prep Middle School, Springfield Emerging Leader Anthony Simmons School Counselor Atlantis Charter School SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP (SIG) LEADERS Career/Technical Annie McCarthy School Counselor Franklin County Technical School Maryrose O’Neil School Counselor Tantasqua Regional High School Kaitlin Monahan School Counselor Greater Lowell Technical High School Counseling Directors Meg Clougherty School Counseling Program Director Boston Latin School Brynn Cooper Director of Counseling Weymouth High School Elementary Lori Ford School Counselor Martha’s Vineyard Megan McShane School Counselor St Columbkille Partnership School Maura Ricardi School Adjustment Counselor East Street School, Ludlow Multilingual Learners Priscila Anderson School Counselor Woburn Memorial High School

Matt Baione School Counselor Revere High School Olivia Hull School Adjustment Counselor Brookline High School Middle Level Dawn Martin School Counselor Qualters Middle School, Mansfield Jackie Saunders School Counselor Gibbs School, Arlington Retirees Helen O’Donnell Retired School Counselor Anne Thidemann French Retired School Adjustment Counselor School Adjustment Counselors/ School Social Worker Nychele Clark School Adjustment Counselor Gardner High School Kate Niedel Retired School Adjustment Counselor Anne Thidemann French Retired School Adjustment Counselor Secondary Karen McCrillis School Counselor Gardner High School Anthony Simmons School Counselor Atlantis Charter School, Fall River Rachael Weinhold School Counselor Winchendon High School Urban Rani Gould School Counselor The Academy at Kiley Middle School Chase Grogan Student Development Counselor Community Academy of Science and Health Sara Runkle School Counselor Kiley Prep Middle School, Springfield AFFINITY GROUP LEADERS Counselors of Color Jessica Descartes School Counselor Tech Boston Academy Andrea Encarnacao School Counselor Boston Latin School Aaron Spencer School Counselor Nashoba Valley Technical High School LGBTQ+ Jessica Almeida School Counselor Quinn Middle School, Hudson Mindy Cripps Director of School Counseling Billerica High School Denise Evans School Counselor The Carroll School

Counselor’s Notebook

ABOUT MASCA Mission Statement: The mission of MASCA is to elevate and advance the school counseling profession in Massachusetts through leadership, collaboration, visibility, and professional development to optimize student success.

Vision Statement: The vision of MASCA is to equip school counseling professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement a comprehensive school counseling program in their school community. Through an equitable lens, we advocate that all K-12 Massachusetts students have access to a school counselor and the opportunity to become their best selves in school, their personal lives, and their communities.

Core values: Advocacy - Committing to center the school counseling profession by highlighting and advancing the core values of school counselors, both individually and as a profession.

Equity - Requiring inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility for all school counselors and the students and families they serve Collaboration – Working together with all stakeholders allows school counselors to deliver the highest quality school counseling program for all students.

Excellence - Maintaining the highest level of professional standards and advancing the delivery of comprehensive school counseling programs (i.e.: MA Model) for all students.

Strategic Objectives: Objective #1 - Advocacy - Position MASCA as a recognized, valuable, and respected voice at local, state, and regional levels by building the awareness of the importance and impact of the work and role of school counseling professionals.

Objective #2 - Equity - Position MASCA as a leading organization in dismantling racist, sexist, homophobic, gendered, ableist, ageist, religious intolerance and other oppressive policies and practices while emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusion in school counseling personnel and programming.

Objective #3 - Membership - Grow MASCA membership by retaining and engaging current members, and recruiting new members, with an on-going commitment to cultivate a more diverse membership.

Objective #4 – Professional Development - Create, provide and/or promote relevant, high-quality, accessible, and timely professional development to meet the needs of our members and support the implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs.

Objective #5 – School Counselor Pipeline - MASCA must address the increasing number of unfilled school counselor vacancies and reduction of candidates entering school counseling preparation programs.

Massachusetts School Counselor’s Association PO Box 351 Hampden, MA 01036 March 2026

Counselor’s Notebook Editorial Board Nguyen Dorvilis Guiying Zhu Jean Atwater-Williams

Layout & Design Jean Atwater-Williams

mit Sub le rtic a n a to: masc a.org

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