Tanya Young (she, her, hers), School Counselor

I have been a middle school School Counselor for over 20 years.  I truly enjoy working with students in this age group.  They keep me on my toes and warm my heart each and every day.  I feel so lucky to be able to assist students.  Middle school isn’t always easy, but each triumph I get to witness, and maybe even be a part of, makes it all worthwhile!

In addition to having a job that fills me with pride, I am also grateful for being born and raised right here in MidCoast Maine.  My husband and I, along with our beagle Kaiah, enjoy spending time outside whether it be hiking, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, working in the flower bed or vegetable garden, relaxing under the shade tree, or trying to stay upright when we cross country ski (some things were easier to do 30 years ago!). I also enjoy cooking, especially when I have time to indulge our family and friends with a “gourmet” meal. 

Contact: tanya.young@fivetowns.net, ext 2159 

Located in the alcove next to Ms Burwell in the 8th grade wing

Gretchen Kuhn (she, her, hers), School Nurse

I grew up in New York state in a family of six.  As a child I spent lots of time playing in the woods and by a stream in our backyard.  In the winter, I would bring a sled to the bus stop and after school would slide down a path to my house. It was a great way to end my school day!   After high school, I went to college and as a sophomore I attended a 26 day Outward Bound course here in Penobscot Bay. With that, my love of the ocean and the outdoors was sealed!  I became an instructor and licensed captain for Outward Bound,  leading wilderness trips in Maine, Florida, and Europe.  After a decade of ocean adventures and travels,  I returned to the MidCoast to become a Nurse - following in the footsteps of my mother.  It has been my privilege to partner with the amazing team at CRMS. Supporting the health and wellness of middle school students is incredibly important for academic success and success in life in general!  

Contact: gretchen.kuhn@fivetowns.net, ext 2108

Located off of the main office and next to the doors to the playground

Jennifer Stec (she, her, hers), School Clinical Counselor

 I grew up on St.Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, which provided a unique perspective on different cultures and ways of life. I later moved to the midwest for college, and later graduate school, where I began my journey into counseling. Recently, I relocated to Maine in search of a more authentic, grounded lifestyle.  I love nothing more than curling up with a good book and my two cats. I live in Rockport with my husband and our daughter, and we’re enjoying all that Maine has to offer in this new chapter of our lives.

As a middle school counselor, I have a special connection with this age group. Middle school can be a challenging time—awkward, confusing, and sometimes brutal. But that’s exactly why I love working with them. I admire their mix of enthusiasm and social hesitation, their struggle to feel comfortable in their own skin, and their evolving sense of humor. They want you to understand and love them but often push you away at the same time. It’s a fascinating, tender phase of development, and I feel privileged to support them through it.

Contact: jennifer.stec@fivetowns.net,, ext 2243

Located in the alcove by the elevator in the 6th grade wing

Alex Amoroso (he, him, his), School Psychologist

When I was in middle school, I swore I wouldn’t become a boring adult… well at least I tried. When I’m not working, you’ll find me outside digging in the dirt, hiking in the woods, swimming, skiing, or curled up with a good book. Most of all, I love to watch plants and people grow. And just like plants, people need the right conditions to grow. I became a school psychologist to help students have an easier and better time in school. Sometimes we don’t know what we need but know things could be better. That’s one area where Student Services can help! Let’s try to make things a little easier and a little better together.

Contact: alex.amoroso@fivetowns.net, ext 2156

Located in the alcove next to the library in the 8th grade wing

Amanda Gaudet (she, her, hers), School Social Worker

I find middle schoolers endlessly fascinating, incredibly resilient, and just plain hilarious. Every day, I get to help kids discover just how amazing and strong they are while navigating the challenges of growing up. I truly enjoy collaborating with families, staff, and students to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone involved. I’m so grateful to be part of this amazingly creative, passionate, quirky, and empathetic community here at CRMS.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, scratching my dog’s belly, playing sports, making (and drinking!) coffee, and dancing when nobody is watching.

Contact: amanda.gaudete@fivetowns.net, ext 2157

Located in the alcove next to Ms Burwell in the 8th grade wing