Alumni/Faculty Spotlight

Jenniffer

to do it. I value helping them. I am lucky to be a part of the students’ high school journey. I love when I am able to help students and families.

What advice would you give to our young alumni?

Give yourselves a chance to figure things out. Do not feel that you have to decide things so quickly, and at the same time, pay attention to your interests so you can gear your choices towards exposure to something you would love doing. It takes time and experience to learn about life. Don’t rush it.

As a Pius parent, what advice would you give to new St. Pius X parents?

What is your educational background?

I have a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University, an undergraduate degree from Winthrop University (Psychology major and dance minor), and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Tell us about your family and your connection to St. Pius X. My three sisters, Jacqueline '95, Jessica '97, and Jillian '01, and I all graduated from St. Pius X. My husband, Jay, is also an alumnus from the Class of 1994 and an SPX baseball coach. We have three children: Charlie '22, Madeline '27, and Julia (3rd grade).

What led you to return to work at St. Pius X?

In 2001, when my husband was coaching JV baseball for St. Pius, he heard about an opening in the counseling office -- I jumped at the chance.

What inspired you to go into counseling?

I have always wanted to work with people and I am a good listener. As I learned about the psychology field, I realized that I wanted to work with kids. Honestly, it is just something I have always wanted to do.

What do you find most rewarding about being an SPX counselor?

I feel honored that students and families allow me to be a part of their lives. It can be difficult to ask for help and be vulnerable, and I am amazed that people are willing

Being a parent of a high schooler is tough for many reasons, two of which are your child’s desire for independence and exercising it, and a parent’s realization that these are the last years with your child under your roof. Allow yourself space to figure out how that is for you. Remember, you are coming from an adult perspective, and teens need a chance to learn on their own. It’s best to be curious and ask questions so teens can feel heard. These four years are still years where you are a safety net for your child. It is better to be a supporter than a fixer. Children who learn how to problem-solve and build confidence in failure are on their way to being successful adults because that is real life. I could say so much, but those are just a few.

What is your favorite memory of being a St. Pius X student?

There were a lot. I met my husband here. I loved being part of the dance performances (on stage and during basketball halftime). I also enjoyed school dances (homecoming and prom).