School Counseling

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The School Counseling Office is committed to working with our students beginning in freshman year to guide and encourage them as they navigate throughout high school.

Counselors work collaboratively alongside each student to ensure that he/she is successful in our college preparatory high school. We are dedicated to ensuring that our students are well-prepared as they tackle any challenges they may face while working to achieve their goals in high school, while also assisting them in developing a groundwork for success in their higher education aspirations.

Students are assigned a guidance counselor at the start of their freshman year who will work with them throughout their four years at Xaverian. Each guidance counselor is skilled in addressing the spiritual, social-emotional, and academic needs of students through individual and group counseling. Counselors guide students in choosing classes to ensure they have a strong academic transcript for their college applications. Students meet with counselors at least four times a year in scheduled meetings, with drop-in meetings and additional appointments available when requested or indicated. Counselors work collaboratively with faculty and administration to provide streamlined support for our students. Counselors are also available to parents in order to assist with any questions or concerns they may have.

Middle School

Start Your Journey.
Genesis students are assigned a school counselor who will follow them through their three years in the middle school. Genesis counselors run group sessions with students throughout the year, covering academic, social-emotional, and age-appropriate topics to aid students in navigating their middle school years. Counselors work closely with the Genesis faculty to ensure students receive the best possible support and guidance and work individually with students and parents to best meet the needs of all students.
Freshman Year

Chart Your Course.
During freshman year counselors help students navigate and adjust to the new challenges of high school. Tasks include helping students with time management, making friends, and getting involved in extracurricular activities. We understand the importance of building a strong rapport with our students from day one as a Clipper. Students are also assigned a Naviance account. Naviance provides students with assessments to explore their learning styles, study skills, and helps guide their college search.
Sophomore Year

Pathways to Potential.
In sophomore year counselors continue working with the students building on the freshman year foundation. Conversations are bridged to discuss potential careers and help the students focus on their futures. Students start their chosen Pathway which in turn guides their schedule. The Pathway is an opportunity for counselors and students to discuss the student’s future goals while allowing for hands-on experience in courses designed to expose students to various careers and fields of interest. Counselors continue to expand student’s understanding of Naviance and the features available to them.
Junior Year

Anchored in Determination.
During junior year counselors help students navigate their classes, prepare for SAT and ACT testing, build a resume, and work through any concerns of the all-important junior year. Students begin working with a College Coordinator in addition to their guidance counselor to ensure they are provided with individualized attention in the college application process.
Senior Year

Setting Sail.
Senior year, students continue working with their counselors along with their College Coordinator. Counselors are there to support students with college applications, emotions that come with the ending of their high school career, and help them prepare for their futures. The college coordinators will assist them in all aspects of the college application process throughout their senior year.

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We Help Our Students With...

List of 9 items.

Academic skills support
Career preparation
Post-secondary planning
School adjustment issues
Coping, problem-solving, and decision making concerns
Organizational, study, and test-taking skills
Peer relationships and conflict resolution problems
Divorce, separation, and family changes
Experiencing loss, death, and grief

College Counseling

Meet Our School Counselors

List of 15 members.

Vita-Marie Novini

(718) 836-7100 x 166
Patricia McEvoy

Director of School Counseling

(718) 836-7100 x174
Simona Castriciano

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100
Ellen Copeland

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x123
Annalisa Farrelly

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x.168
Martha Gallo

Assistant Director of School Counseling

(718) 836-7100 x155
Tatiana Green

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x888
Anne Kaykaty

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x777
Ji Won Moon

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x208
Patricia Stevens

Counseling Department Administrative Assistant

(718) 836-7100 x121
Sarah Stiglianese

Assistant Campus Minister; School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x123
Thomas Tellefsen

School Psychologist

(718) 836-7100 x153
John Torres

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x147
Maria Tusa

Speech Therapist for the Ryken Program

(718) 836-7100 x158
Meghan Woods

School Counselor

(718) 836-7100 x126

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

What is the School Counseling Department's policy on confidentiality?

As stated in the Xaverian Student handbook, confidentiality is an important aspect of the relationship between the student and school counselor. The school counselor will do their best not to disclose information with others and maintain this confidentiality except (1) if the student is a danger to him or herself or to others, (2) if the student is being abused physically, sexually, or emotionally or (3) in response to a court order.
How do I obtain working papers?

Please review the process for applying here.

The application can be found here.

The Physical Fitness Certification can be found here.

To set up an appointment, email Ms. Stevens in the School Counseling Department at pstevens@go-rutgers.com.
How do I obtain a transcript?

Students may email guidance@go-rutgers.com with transcript requests for internships or summer programs.

Alumni may email transcripts@go-rutgers.com with transcript requests.
How does a student see their school counselor?

Students can come to the counseling office to see their counselors on a walk-in basis during lunch, before, and after school. Students can also make an appointment by emailing their counselor. Of course, if it is an emergency the student can see the counselor anytime during school hours.
How does a parent see their child's school counselor?

We kindly request that parents schedule an appointment with their student's counselor by calling or emailing the assigned counselor.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency: 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Child Abuse : 1-800-422-4453
Dating Violence Hotline: 800-787-7233. Those who are unable to speak safely can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
National Parent Helpline: 855-4-A-PARENT (1-855-427-2736)
Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 | rainn.org
Trevor Hotline for LGBTQ Youth : 1-866-488-7386