Mr. Jamieson is the new Assistant Principal of the Guidance Department here at Edison. Mr. Jamieson shares about the recent changes he has made to the department and shares helpful tips on how to navigate the guidance department.

Q: You have been here for almost a year now, what changes have you made so far?

Mr. Jamieson: “We hired two new guidance counselors to better fit the students’ needs. By extending the guidance staff we have reduced the caseload of each guidance counselor. Before I made these changes, each grade had two guidance counselors. Now we assigned guidance counselors based on shop classes. I have designed it this way so that guidance counselors become experts in their shop classes.”

Q: What prompted you to reassign guidance counselors based on shop classes?

Mr. Jamieson: “To better cover the needs of students I have reassigned guidance counselors based on shop classes; so that the shop class teachers and the guidance counselors can help the students navigate their career goals. Also because now guidance counselors could focus on fewer students to better fit their needs.”

Q: What is guidance doing to help seniors with their post graduation plans?

Mr. Jamieson: “Guidance counselors are visiting shop classes to conduct informative sessions, meeting one-on-one with students. Guidance counselors and the college office are working together to help students with their post graduation plans.”

Q: If a student has an issue and needs a guidance counselor’s help, how should the student go about that problem?

Mr. Jamieson: “If it is a non-emergency matter, the student should set an appointment with their guidance counselor via email or scanning the QR code at the door of the guidance office. If it is an emergency matter, the guidance office doors are always open so the student may come in and seek their counselor. If the counselor is not available, someone else from the guidance department will be assisting the student.”

Q: What’s one thing that you wish our readers knew about the guidance department?

Mr. Jamieson: “The passion and dedication that the guidance counselors put into their students is immeasurable. Our guidance counselors are willing to go the extra mile and do the extra work so that our students are successful. They are passionately serving this community and the students are successful.”

The newly appointed guidance counselor, Cindy Nassi, brings a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to supporting students academically and emotionally. With years of experience in the field, she is dedicated to fostering student success and engagement.

Q: How do you collaborate with teachers, parents, and staff to support students?

Mrs. Nassi: “I work closely with teachers, parents, and staff to ensure students receive comprehensive support. It’s essential that everyone involved is on the same page regarding each student’s progress and challenges.”

Q: Career exploration and college planning are significant aspects of your role. How do you help students navigate these processes?

Mrs. Nassi: “I help students explore different career options and discuss their interests and goals. The best advice I can give students who are uncertain about their future is to explore various options, gain experience, and talk to others who have been through the process.”

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a guidance counselor?

Mrs. Nassi: “Providing students with the tools and guidance they need to navigate their future is incredibly fulfilling. Helping them solve problems and plan for what’s next keeps me motivated every day.”

Q: How do you support students who are facing difficult situations?

Mrs. Nassi: “I believe in providing consistent follow-up and guidance so that students feel supported, even during their toughest times.”

Q: What essential skills should students develop to succeed academically?

Mrs. Nassi: “Study skills and organizational skills are key. Managing deadlines and staying on top of coursework are essential, especially when preparing for college applications.”

Q: You mentioned wanting to increase engagement among 10th graders. How do you plan to achieve this?

Mrs. Nassi: “I want to implement changes that encourage students to take more responsibility for their academic and personal growth. Getting involved and staying proactive can make all the difference in their high school experience.”

Q: How do you establish trust with students?

Mrs. Nassi: “Following up with students after an issue arises and maintaining consistent communication helps build trust. I want every student to feel heard and supported, especially those who have had negative experiences with authority figures in the past.”

Q: Many students struggle to balance school, extracurricular activities, and personal life. What advice do you have for them?

Mrs. Nassi: “It’s important to find balance. If students are overcommitted with extracurriculars, they need to refocus on academics when necessary. Prioritizing studies should always come first, especially when grades begin to slip.”

Q: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the guidance department?

Mrs. Nassi: “We want to ensure all students are on track for graduation and feel confident about their future. By strengthening our support systems, we can help students thrive both academically and personally.”

Ms. Siano meets with students during their lunch periods. Some days you can find her doing push-ins, which are lessons that she gives by visiting senior classrooms. She makes sure that they are on track for graduation. You can find her office in Room 140A. She is available to all students across all grades. If they would like to talk to her, she is available! She enjoys playing sports, exercising, traveling, and in general being outdoors in her free time.

Q: In your opinion, what are the most important skills for students to develop during their high school years, and how do you help them build those skills?

Ms. Siano: “Critical thinking, time management, and socializing skills are the most important skills I believe that students should develop during their high school years. I meet with students, and sometimes in groups, which helps with socializing skills. I help them make individualized plans about how they should divide their day, how to get sufficient sleep, and also manage assignments.”

Q: What are some challenges you’ve faced in your first few months on the job?

Ms. Siano: “I think time management was a challenge for me, prioritizing tasks, and figuring out what to do first.”

Q: How do you help students prepare for college or their future careers?

Ms. Siano: “I help students get familiar with Naviance and other helpful resources online to explore their interests further and narrow it down with the help of Ms. Minaya.”

Q: What advice would you give to students who are uncertain about what career or college path to take?

Ms. Siano: “I would tell them to find what your hobbies and interests are and see if you would like to shape them into careers. I would also tell them there is no harm in trying community college. I went there myself. I didn’t know what to do. So I would tell them to try community college. It is okay to not have a career or college path figured out.”

Q: What’s your approach to building relationships with students?

Ms. Siano: “Just being myself, and I think that I provide a calming environment. I also like to go to a lot of activities after school and make my presence known. Let them know that I am here to support them if they need support.”

Q: Do you have any advice for the graduating class of 2025?

Ms. Siano: “Stay consistent with your goals and be patient. Continue working hard and never change the person who you are.” 

Q: Looking ahead, what are your future goals as a guidance counselor?

Ms. Siano: “I would like to start a club next year and get more involved after school with the students. I also want to learn more about students.” 

Born and raised with a unique cultural background, Ms. Agard is biracial, half Greek and half Guyanese. She loves helping others and putting smiles on their faces. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, traveling, being a youth counselor at her church, spending time with family and friends, and trying new foods. Ms. Agard earned her bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in school counseling. After over 10 years of working with children, she decided to become a school counselor here at Edison, a role that perfectly combines her love for helping kids and her passion for counseling.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a guidance counselor, and how has that motivation evolved over time?

Ms. Agard: “I initially considered becoming a paraprofessional, but over time, I realized that working with youth was something I wanted to continue. I love being able to teach students life skills and broaden their social and professional perspectives. I want them to remember me when they’re adults and say things like, “Mrs. Agard helped me through my anxiety.” I want to be someone who leaves a lasting impact on them.”

Q: How do you typically approach helping students with their challenges, and how do you help them work through challenges or find solutions?

Ms. Agard: “If I see a student who’s struggling or going through a tough time, I try to help them feel better. When they’re in crisis, they can be upset or overwhelmed, and I try to calm them down and put a smile on their face. I remind them of their goals and motivate them to work through their challenges. When I build a connection with my students, I find that they become more confident and are able to do better in their studies and personal lives. I try to be open and warm, which helps them feel comfortable coming to me for support.”

Q: Have you faced any personal challenges, and how did you overcome them?

Ms. Agard: “I’ve dealt with some health challenges, and during those times, I did a lot of research to learn how to stay healthy. I focus on clean eating and taking care of myself. It’s easy to feel good at the moment by eating something like Cheetos, but in the long run, it’s important to make choices that will help me feel better and maintain my health. When I worked as a paraprofessional, I had a student whose mom had given up hope because she felt no one would accept her son. I made it clear to her that I would do everything I could to support him. It was hard, but I didn’t let that discourage me. I worked with the student, built a connection, and saw things change for the better.”

Q: Many students struggle to balance school, extracurricular activities, and personal life. What advice do you have for them?

Ms. Agard: “It’s so important for students to take time for self-care outside of school. If they don’t prioritize their mental and physical well-being, they won’t be able to perform their best in other areas of life. I encourage students to set goals for themselves each week and do something just for them whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing a hobby. If they take care of themselves, they’ll be more motivated and able to focus on their studies and activities.”

Q: In your opinion, how can schools better support students’ mental health and emotional well-being?

Ms. Agard: “Schools can better support students by making sure they feel like they’re part of a group or community. Joining clubs or teams gives students a sense of belonging, which can be crucial for their emotional well-being. I also encourage students to build relationships with their teachers, peers, and counselors. When students feel connected, they’re more likely to thrive. Schools should also promote awareness about therapy and counseling, encouraging students to learn about mental health beyond surface-level ideas. Workshops and counseling resources can be helpful in guiding them through tough times.”

Q: Looking ahead, what are your future goals as a guidance counselor?

Ms. Agard: “In the future, I want to make sure all my students stay on track to graduate. I’m committed to supporting them and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed. One of my biggest goals is to have students visit me after they’ve graduated and thank me for the support I provided. That would mean the world to me and show me that I made a difference in their lives.”

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Ms. Henao is a first-generation American, the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia. Her passion for personal growth and development extends into both her career and hobbies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, prepping meals, and working out. With a strong interest in psychology and a desire to work in a school environment, she has successfully blended her love for psychology with her passion for supporting students in an educational setting.

Q: What are the most important skills for students to develop during their high school years, and how do you help them build those skills?

Ms. Henao: “Loving and caring for yourself and knowing what that means in terms of how you want that to be given to you and your friendships and relationships as well. I try to encourage those things by validating students, like it’s okay to feel this way, and reminding them it’s hard to pour out from an empty cup. You can’t really help other people if you’re not doing well yourself, so it’s kind of reminding them like it’s okay to pour into yourself, love yourself. When you don’t love yourself too much, or if you have low self-esteem, it is going to start to fill in those voids with other people, and that’s when bad decisions may come out. So, love yourself and like who you are. I am always here to support and tell students that it’s okay to make mistakes; you can’t be perfect, and high school is not that time to be perfect. You can always make mistakes, but let’s learn from them.”

Q: In your opinion, how can schools better support students’ mental health and emotional well-being?

Ms. Henao: “More check-ins. Part of our job is having to talk to students about attendance problems or not getting to school on time. Starting off a Monday morning or Friday morning with something fun for students to look forward to and just asking them about themselves. A lot of people are going through things a lot of us don’t know about.”

Q: How do you help students develop resilience and cope with failure or setbacks?

Ms. Henao: “I let them know it’s okay. I know there is a lot of pressure from home or certain expectations that are put onto students, but I’m very big on just saying, ‘It’s okay to make mistakes as long as we continue to learn from them.’”

Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing today’s students, and how can they best prepare for it?

Ms. Henao: “Some big challenges are self-esteem. I think self-esteem is a big part, and social media plays a big part in that stuff. We are constantly comparing and contrasting our lives to things that are not even real. It’s just so naturally embedded. It’s really hard for your outside things to be well if you’re not well within.”

Q: What advice do you have for students who feel overwhelmed with academic pressure?

Ms. Henao: “It’s first figuring out where those pressures are coming from. Is it outside pressure, or is it internal pressure? Are you giving your best shot? Are you doing everything to prepare yourself to be doing what you’re supposed to be doing? Are you managing your time the way it should be managed?”

Q: How do you handle a situation when a student is hesitant to talk or seek help?

Ms. Henao: “Whenever I am checking in with a student because, let’s say, a teacher noticed something, I understand it is hard to let someone you are not familiar with in, so I do not force anyone. You can leave whenever you need to leave. This is a safe place. I try to keep my room very cozy. I keep my lights low and have natural lighting. All of those things play a part. I like my room to feel safe. So, if and whenever they are ready, I am here. If they need someone to talk to, I am here. And if I’m not here, or if they think maybe I’m not the right person, I would ask them, ‘Do you have a preference in the building that will make you feel comfortable?’ and see if that’s a connection I can make. I am here to listen to you, and we can sit in silence. I can hear you out, I can give you advice—just let me know. I am here.”

Q: Looking ahead, what are your future goals as a guidance counselor?

Ms. Henao: “I still consider myself to be very new. This is only my second year, so I think it’s just getting better. Speaking up for myself and speaking up for other students or my colleagues. Also managing my time better. I would say my biggest goal is to continue being a better version of myself and do my absolute best. Lastly, I just want to say I really enjoy my job. I’m a daughter, a sister, and a friend, so that really influences all my interactions, with the mindset that we are all humans first. That is how I like to lead in everything.”

Ms. Che is our new College and Career Advising Fellow. This is her first year at Edison. She is working alongside Ms. Minaya in the college office (room 114B). She assists students with their college applications, financial aid, personal essays, and more! During her lunch breaks, you can find her working on a sudoku puzzle, reading a thriller novel, or talking to students about crocheting. If you haven’t met with her yet, drop by the college office and say hi!

Q: How do you collaborate with teachers, parents, and other staff to ensure students receive the support they need?

Ms. Che: “I am frequently in communication with the shop teachers to coordinate college representative visits and classroom push-ins during CFM (Career Financial Management) periods, or to get them to call a few students from their class to my office when I need to “hunt them down,” as I would say during my classroom presentations. I also work with the guidance department pretty closely and we collaborate on how to best support students that are missing materials or do not have a set postsecondary plan yet.”

Q: How do you approach helping students with career and college planning, and what advice do you have for those feeling uncertain about their future?

Ms. Che: “Most of the time it depends on what the individual student needs and what stage they are at in the postsecondary planning process. If a student does not know where to even begin, I would start by asking them what type of postsecondary plan they are most leaning towards and what type of major/career path they are interested in. It is okay to feel uncertain about your answer to this question! It’s always overwhelming to start thinking about life after high school. Take things one step at a time at your own pace and before you know it, you will have narrowed down some of your options without even realizing it.”

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a college counselor, and what motivates you to continue in this field?

Ms. Che: “The students are definitely my main motivator! I love seeing their success and getting to know them over time. When students come in announcing that they got a scholarship or got into their dream school and ring the bell, I feel like our efforts have been worthwhile. Even when things get stressful and deadlines get tight, seeing students accomplish their goals and come to me all excited about it makes everything worth it!”

Q: In your opinion, what are the most important skills for students to develop during their high school years, and how do you help them build those skills?

Ms. Che: “Time management, independence, and organization are some of the most important skills that high schoolers should develop before college. There is a lot less hand-holding in college and students will have to manage their time and be responsible for their own academic standing. I try to help students build these skills by giving constant reminders to pay attention to deadlines for certain colleges or scholarships, making sure they are keeping track of their usernames and passwords on different platforms and portals, and reminding students to look for answers on their own.” 

Q: What advice would you give to students who are uncertain about what career or college path to take?

Ms. Che: “Don’t worry if you are feeling lost because, in reality, everyone is a lot less certain about their future plans than you think. Even me! You might think that you need to have everything figured out all at once because you are moving through a new stage in life that is getting closer to adulting. The truth is that you all are so young and have the rest of your lives to figure out what you want to do, and it is even normal for that answer to change multiple times over the course of your life. With that in mind, there is still time for everyone to explore their interests and learn something new, continue pursuing what you like, or even start over completely…and there always will be.”

Q: What’s your approach to building relationships with students?

Ms. Che: “I don’t really have a specific approach to building relationships with students, but I would like to say that I am genuine in every interaction I have with them. It also probably helps that I am closer in age to students and do not seem scared when they first talk to me! I do not shut down students if our conversation topics end up steering off course because I appreciate the fact that they can trust me enough to want to talk to me about random things that aren’t related to postsecondary planning. I always keep an open mind, remembering that every student is different and unique in their own way and I try to support students as much as possible in helping them reach their ideal future after graduation.”

Q: What’s your advice for students balancing school, extracurriculars, and personal life?

Ms. Che: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! Senior year is stressful and applications are a lot, but don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your last year of high school with your friends. This applies to younger grades too– it is important to get good grades and participate in extracurriculars, but having a social life is just as important! But at the same time, don’t have too much fun and get senioritis or let your grades slip too far. Everything in moderation!”

Mrs. Maria Minaya has been serving as our college advisor at Edison for the past year and is currently completing her fifth year overall in this role. She began her career as a college counselor when earning her master’s degree and has remained dedicated to this field ever since. You can find her in the college office (Room 114B). In her free time, she enjoys going on runs, reading, and spending time with friends. 

Q: What made you want to become a college counselor involved with the college/post-secondary process?

Mrs. Minaya: “It was something that I started when I was an intern doing field work during my master’s. I was working with the college counselor, and he was really great, and I really liked what he was doing. I got to work with a lot of awesome students and help them with applications, and hear about where they got in and hear about their successes. I think just having the experience was a big thing for me, and when I finished grad school, I wanted to stick with that. I really like seeing students through the end of their high school experience and onto their next phase in life. It is a really exciting time for everyone, so I want to be part of it.”

Q: How would you recommend students start to prepare for the college process before senior year?

Mrs. Minaya: “First of all, students can start by thinking about their interests in a major or a career so that they can start to create a list of schools that have their major and might be a good fit for them. Also, I recommend visiting colleges so that you can understand what schools are like and what college might be like for you. You have to think about what you want and how college can help you achieve your goals.”

Q: What common misconceptions do students have about the college admissions process?

Mrs. Minaya: “A common misconception is that certain schools or programs are easy to get into. I would say, whatever you do, you have to put effort into an application and try. Make sure that you put your best foot forward. You can’t just fill something out in like ten minutes and expect it to be very good. I think a lot of colleges accept a lot fewer students than we think, so I recommend doing as much as you can and not leaving anything blank. Make sure you have no grammar mistakes, because it does matter, and college admissions are tough. It is only getting tougher as more students are applying.”

Q: How do you help students with certain challenges when navigating the college application process?

Mrs. Minaya: “I think just being honest with students and helping them make realistic choices. Students should have a balanced school list with some safety schools, some target schools, and some reach schools. I like to think I put a dose of realism in my counseling. I don’t discourage students from applying, but just be realistic about what the outcomes might be.”

Q: What is one thing you wish students and parents knew about post-secondary planning?

Mrs. Minaya: “That all the options are out there, and I think that one thing that I really like about working at Edison is that not everyone does four-year school. Some people do community college, some do trade school or other programs. I wish parents and students knew that there is so much more out there. There are over 3,000 colleges in the U.S., so why do you have to stick to something that is close by or something you know? Something you have never heard of might be a really good fit for you in the end. I wish people would be more open to some of those.”

Q: What motivated you to take on a fellow this year?

Mrs. Minaya: “I really love Edison, and it is a really big community, a big school, and I found myself a little overwhelmed as one person last year. I was really looking for an opportunity to help myself and for the students to have an extra hand on deck, and she has been amazing. Also, to help her get exposure to the college process and what it is like to work in a school environment because she just graduated. So I think it is a really formative time for her as well, and hopefully, like, it’s more appealing working in the school because we need great people working in this school.”

Q: How do you encourage students to maintain a balance between academic goals and mental health during the college application process?

Mrs. Minaya: “I think it can be tough because, like, all you hear is how academic success is so important and make sure you’re doing well in your classes, and it’s like, how do I also have a personal life and maintain my mental health? I feel like clubs and sports can be really helpful, even though they can also help out with college applications. They are also good outlets for people to meet new people, get involved, and take on challenges. So it’s just about having balance in life and remembering that you need to take steps back to take care of yourself. I think a lot of people forget to do that.”

Q: What do you think is the most important piece of advice for students as they navigate the college application process?

Mrs. Minaya: “I think it’s important for students to remember that you want to go where it is a good fit for you, and there are a lot of different outcomes, but I just really want to help students find a good place, whether that is a college, trade school, or whatever. Just a good place for them that cares about them and will work to help them succeed because that’s really what college is for.”