Mrs. Sarah Naftel

Welcome Students and Parents!

My name is Sarah Naftel and I am the High School Counselor at East Wake Academy!

A little about me.......

I am a military brat, therefore, "home" is a very fluid term. As they say, "Home is where the Air Force sends you." My favorite destination was in Stuttgart,Germany where I graduated from an American high school designed for dependents of the Military . I was accepted to UNC-Wilmington in 2002 and studied Special Education. After graduating in 2006, I taught students with special needs for three years in New Hanover County before deciding to continue my education at NC-State (Go PACK!) in 2009 and earned my Master's Degree in May of 2011 in School Counseling.

This is my 4th year at EWA and I'm so excited to make new connections with students and their supportive families.

I'm thankful to call Raleigh home again and enjoy running, dancing, kayaking, riding my bike, (pretty much anything which gets me moving), and maintaining an active lifestyle! I have a passion for volunteering; so it is a joy for me to help with local races in the Research Triangle area, and to be a part of the various charities FIA (Females in Action) host. If you would like to get involved around EWA or in the Research Triangle area- I have plenty of resources for you- don't hesitate to ask!

My responsibilities at EWA include (but aren't limited to...):

  • Individual student sessions

  • College planning sessions

  • Facilitator for parent/teacher meetings

  • Class registration/Scheduling

  • Mediations/Peer Conflict Resolution

  • Member of SST (Student Support Team) & MTSS

  • Facilitator for College Application Week (Oct 2021)

  • 504 coordinator for HS Students

  • Scholarships

  • Assist in Dual enrollment applications/opportunities

  • PSAT (October) & ASVAB (December)

  • Military Liaison between students and Recruiters

  • Exploring Career Options

  • Master Schedule Committee member

  • Class Registration point of contact

  • and much more!

I have been flying with my dad since I was 15 and as the years go by I've learned new procedures and flight patterns. Our favorite is traveling to Ocala and grabbing a quick burger before we head home to Orlando.

2021 Summer Break was filled with "making up for lost time". We visited family and friends all over Virginia & Washington DC before heading to Juneau Alaska to visit with my parents as well as my aunt & uncle.