Guidance Counselors
MEET your Counselors
Mr. Ellison
Fun Fact: Mr. Ellison is an active USA Boxing Athlete and Personal Trainer. Hobbies include supporting Mental and Physical Health.
Ms. Levine
Fun Fact: Mrs. Levine enjoys going to the beach, playing tennis, and taking walks with her rescue dog.
Dr. Meier
Fun Fact: Dr. Meier refereed the Harlem Globetrotters and the NY Knicks basketball teams at Madison Square Garden.
Ms. Prais
Fun Fact: Mrs. Prais (formerly Ms. Cruzado) used to be a Dance Major at Montclair State University. Her favorite dance is contemporary.
Ms. Shaw
Fun Fact: Ms. Shaw is the chocolate pie eating contest Champion. (See Mr. Pinto for confirmation)
CONTACT Your Counselor
The best way to speak with or set up an appointment with your counselor is via email. Counselors will check their email on a daily basis during school hours, unless they are not in school that day. Provide a brief description of what you want to talk about. If it is urgent, make sure you state this! Your counselor will either set up a time to meet with you, or call you out of one of your classes. Counselors are designated by last name, as stated below.
Ms. Levine (A-CHOC) - llevine@cliffsidepark.edu
Ms. Shaw (CHOD-GOM) - kshaw@cliffsidepark.edu
Dr. Meier (GON-MEHRINGER) - emeier@cliffsidepark.edu
Mr. Ellison (MEJIA-ROCA ESTRADA) - mellison@cliffsidepark.edu
Ms. Prais (ROD-Z) - tprais@cliffsidepark.edu
The Guidance Counselor's Role
Academic Concerns
Counselors are here to help you with a wide variety of academic concerns.
For example:
Struggling in a class or classes
Help communicating with teachers
Feeling overwhelmed, confused, or having difficulty managing time appropriately
Arranging extra help (with teachers or Peer Tutoring)
Scheduling
Counselors can help you understand why you are taking certain classes. They can also help you understand what courses are required of you in order to graduate. Counselors provide guidance in helping you choose the most appropriate courses for you individually.
Plans for after High School
Counselors are pivotal in helping you make plans to achieve your goals after high school. Regardless of which route you take, you should utilize your counselor for assistance. Counselors help you with the application process for the following options:
2 or 4 year colleges
Technical/Vocational Schools
United States Military
Life's Challenges
Guidance Counselors do not only provide support for academic needs. They are dedicated to helping you with whatever obstacles you encounter, including but not limited to:
Peer conflict and relationships
Issues at home or with family members
Managing emotions
Feelings of depression or anxiety