Staff Contacts & Who's Who in Guidance

Mr. George Zografos

Supervisor of School Counseling - Cherry Hill Public Schools

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Being able to motivate students to achieve their goals so they can make a positive impact in the world.
Favorite thing about working at East: Watching our talented and caring students achieve greatness as they develop academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their time at East.
Fun Fact: I play keyboards in a Greek band!
Message to the Students: Always believe in yourselves and have the courage to ask for help when needed. We are here to help you fulfill your dreams!

Mrs. Danielle Graffeo

Registrar / Alumni Transcripts

dgraffeo@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: I look forward to supporting students, families, and staff members in a variety of ways. It’s a wonderful experience, watching students grow from shy incoming freshman into confident young adults. Favorite thing about working at East: The Students and Staff! I enjoy the camaraderie at East. There’s something for everyone to get involved with.
Fun Fact: I graduated from West a long, long time ago :)
Message to the Students: “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” - Will Rogers

Mrs. Stacy Garson

Guidance Secretary - Last Names A-Le

sgarson@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Being able to help students, families, and staff in so many different, important ways.
Favorite thing about working at East: I feel lucky and honored to work at my alma mater, and that I get to work with this fabulous, supportive staff and the next generation of East students.
Fun Fact: I was a huge “D-Winger” - I played clarinet in Wind Ensemble and Marching Band (with Mr. Keleher!), sang in East Singers and Belles of East (with Mrs. Lausi!), and performed in all the Spring Musicals (Les Misérables was the best!).
Message to the Students: Kindness really does count!

Mrs. Joanne Kavanagh

Guidance Secretary - Last Names Lf-Z

jkavanagh@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Meeting the students and helping them navigate High School.
Favorite thing about working at East: The diversity of the students & staff.
Fun Fact: I am proud to say I was a “Nerd” in High School and finished in the top 10% of my class.
Message to the Students: Stop … breathe … you got this! And try to laugh at least once a day. :)

Mr. Bert Figueroa

Guidance Counselor

rfigueroa@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Being a school counselor allows me the freedom to really connect with students, parents, and staff on a more personal level and to truly help and (hopefully) make a positive difference in the lives of students. Favorite thing about working at East: The entire school atmosphere – academic and extra-curricular – is my favorite aspect. Being part of a large group of people working together toward being the best we can be as educators, students, community members, and people overall motivates and inspires me daily, sometimes without even realizing it. Fun Fact: In college, my friend and I planned and went on a backpacking pilgrimage through five countries in Western Europe. Message to the Students: Life is about relationships; choose wisely and make the most of yours.

Mrs. Carly Friedman

Guidance Counselor

cfriedman@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Being able to help students & families in so many different ways. Favorite thing about working at East: I think we have an awesome student body and staff, so I love seeing all the amazing things our students and staff do every year! Fun Fact: I graduated from Cherry Hill East (a very long time ago)! Message to the Students: In a world where you can be anything, be kind!!

Mr. Darren Gamel

Guidance Counselor

dgamel@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Building relationships with students and having an impact on their lives. Favorite thing about working at East: The academic focus of our students, and their desire to do well! Fun Fact: Before coming to East, I spent 15 years teaching English at another high school, so you can probably guess how much I love to read (I once had to read 45 books in one semester of college)!! Message to the Students: YOU are the best part of my job, so never hesitate to contact me or come see me!

Mrs. Laurie Grossman

Guidance Counselor

lgrossman@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: It is awesome watching students grow and mature over their 4 years at East. I really enjoy getting to know my students and their families and being a part of such an impactful time in their lives. Favorite thing about working at East: I can honestly say that I like coming to work every day. I look forward to the camaraderie among my guidance colleagues, who are always making me smile. Fun Fact: Admittedly, I spent my high school years overachieving socially and underachieving academically. My parents still appreciate the irony of me becoming a school counselor! Message to the Students: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Mrs. Regina James

Guidance Counselor

rejames@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: Having a first-row seat seeing students grow and develop emotionally, socially, and academically! Favorite thing about working at East: I am looking forward to being an East Cougar, as it is a strong, fun, and prideful community! Fun Fact: I love spending my summers on the North Wildwood beach with my family. Message to the Students: Do good and good will come to you!

Mrs. Maria Lee

Guidance Counselor

mlee@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: From helping students out with their problems and seeing them smile afterwards to just listening to a student rant about something - there's never a dull moment! Favorite thing about working at East: The faculty/staff and students are all incredible to work with. Fun Fact: Marching band was one of my favorite things in high school! We had 200+ students in our marching band and the mellophone section was the best. ;) Message to the Students: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Mrs. Cathleen Lynch

Guidance Counselor

clynch@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: The opportunity to get to know my students over the course of four years. It’s a joy to watch them grow into young adults by their senior year.
Favorite thing about working at East: My incredible colleagues in Guidance. They inspire me every day.
Fun Fact: I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and friends, and watching reruns of The Office.
Message to the Students: “We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll

Ms. Viney Yolanda McClain

Guidance Counselor

vmcclain@chclc.org

Mrs. Lisa Saffici

Guidance Counselor

lsaffici@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: As a counselor, I get to work with a diverse population of students with all different strengths, goals and needs. I also have the privilege to work with students throughout their four years of high school and can support them through various stages of teenage life and decisions and witness their growth and accomplishments.
Favorite thing about working at East: I am looking forward to getting involved in the school culture and climate at East and contributing to the many activities and events that make East a great place for students and staff to learn and grow.
Fun Fact: I run outdoors year round around 35-40 miles a week.
Message to the Students: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mrs. Tracye Walsh

Guidance Counselor

twalsh@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: I love using past experiences to connect with my students and give them hope. Favorite thing about working at East: I love how we celebrate all cultures. I also love my department because we always have each other’s back.
Fun Fact: I was on the game show "Double Dare" in 8th grade. Message to the Students: Find one thing every day that makes you smile. Be grateful for what you have, not what you don’t. Life can be stressful so make sure you find peace.

Mrs. Jennifer DiStefano

Student Assistance Counselor

jdistefano@chclc.org

Favorite thing about working in Guidance: The team of counselors that I work with and helping our students and their families!
Favorite thing about working at East: Being an East Cougar brings a sense of community and togetherness as a staff.
Fun Fact: I love Starbucks, Disney, the beach and summer, NYC, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Message to the Students: No matter what, you can achieve your goals and dreams. It may take hard work and sometimes help from others. Do not be afraid to ask for help, it can make all the difference.