Counseling

Consistent with Cornelia Connelly’s core principles, the Counseling Department at Holy Child holds the tenets of care and trust at the center of the counseling program. Holy Child’s comprehensive counseling program allows multiple opportunities for students to connect with their counselors, working together responsively as needs arise as well as preemptively to provide tools and skills for life.

Counseling at Holy Child promotes the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all of our students by employing the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model, targeting ASCA’s Mindsets and Behaviors. Counselors work with students individually, in groups, and through guidance lessons, using a solution-focused, strengths-based approach. In addition, the low student-to-counselor ratio ensures that counselors connect meaningfully with their students and support their growth as unique individuals. At the core of the department’s philosophy is the understanding that social and emotional health lead to academic and personal success.

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model

Direct Student Services

School Counseling Core Curriculum

Instruction - direct instruction, team teaching, developing learning activities
Group Activities - planned activities outside of the classroom to promote academic, career, or social/emotional development

Individual Student Planning

Appraisal - assist students in evaluating interests, abilities, skills, and achievement
Advisement - assist students in goal setting based on academic, college/career and personal/social data

Responsive Services

Individual or small group settings school providing planned, short-term, and goal-focused counseling

Crisis Response

Provide support and assistance to students and families as they navigate crisis and emergency situations

Orientation (school-wide activities)
College Counseling (Individual, Group, Parent Meetings)
Data Collection

Indirect Student Services

Counseling at Holy Child

Counseling Services

Counseling Staff

Student Life Staff

Julie Connelly
Dean of Students
301.365.0955 x2239

Jackie McCarthy
Associate Dean of Students
301.365.0955 x2114

Elizabeth Billett
9th and 10th Grade Counselor
301.365.0955 x2116

Alice Mercer
11th and 12th Grade Counselor
301.265.0955 x2228

Lindsay Davis
Director of Counseling and Middle School Counselor
301.365.0955 x2198

Katia Vargas
Multicultural Diversity Coordinator
301.365.0955 x2195

Catherine Albornoz
Campus Minister
301.365.0955 x2223

Ogechi Akalegbere
Christian Service Coordinator
301.365.0955 x2321