Counseling and College Counseling

villamaria March 10, 2014

Guidance coursework develops the skills students need to succeed at Villa Maria, in college, and beyond.

Freshman and Sophomore Seminars cover such topics as time management, organizational and study skills, high school life, college preparedness, building a strong college applicant profile, and career choices. Sophomores explore personal, extracurricular and academic interests and the way these relate to various career options.

In junior year, students are enrolled in College Guidance, which covers the entire college application process, including college search, developing of an activities resume, writing the college essay, visiting college campuses, and interviewing. Guidance staff members provide support in making well-informed decisions concerning colleges and their programs.

The Guidance curriculum culminates in the Senior Capstone Project, an inquiry-based experience driven by student interest. It involves critical thinking, investigative research, problem solving, written summary and application of prior and acquired knowledge. Capstone projects may include job shadowing, service work, or a science, creative or physical project.

  • Mrs. Elizabeth Hashagen

    Director of School Counseling

    ehashagen@vmahs.org

    Ext.: 1121

    B.A. Psychology, Minor in Women's Studies

    Providence College

    M.S. Counseling and Human Relations

    Villanova University

  • Ms. Lorraine Benjamin

    Counseling Office Manager

    lbenjamin@vmahs.org

    Ext.: 1130

  • Ms. Kristin Cortese

    Director of College Counseling

    kcortese@vmahs.org

    Ext.: 1015

    B.A. Psychology

    The Pennsylvania State University

    M.A. Counseling Psychology

    Immaculata University

  • Mrs. Sally Jeffries

    School Counselor

    sjeffries@vmahs.org

    Ext.: 1028

    B.S. Health, Physical Education, & Recreation

    East Stroudsburg University

    M.ED Psychoeducational Processesing

    Temple University

    Masters Plus

    West. Chester University; Immaculata University

  • Mrs. Grace Opdyke

    Test Prep Instruction & College Advisement

    gopdyke@vmahs.org

    Ext.: 1012

    B.S. Education

    Gwynedd Mercy University

    Master's Educational Leadership (12/2020)

    St. Joseph's University

  • Mr. Domenic Zampogna

    School Counselor

    dzampogna@vmahs.org

    Ext.: 1027

    B.S. Business Administration - Operations Management

    Villanova University

    M.S. School Counseling

    Gwynedd-Mercy University

    M.S. Educational Leadership

    Saint Joseph's University