Meet our Clinician

E-MAIL: Hkobylinski@glenridge.org 

HELLO! My name is Heather Kobylinski and I love helping people which is why I have chosen a field and environment where I can truly be of service to others.  As a lifelong learner, I strive to make sure that I can provide support and guidance to others that are in line with the current world we inhabit. The service that I provide is specifically targeted to our families and the challenges and benefits of raising children.  Glen Ridge is truly a unique place (in a good way)! We all choose to be here for a variety of reasons but the main motivation is for the education and development of our children. If you are in need of collaborative support for your child and family as you navigate the most formative years of their lives, our GROW Program can do just that. Referrals are made through the Intervention and Referral process with input from teachers and administration. 

As the Clinician for the GROW Program, I facilitate individual and group counseling for students requiring support for anxiety, social skills, bereavement, and depression. These services also include family sessions and parent psychoeducational groups. 

I have worked my entire career in Glen Ridge and have worked as the Glen Ridge High School Student Assistance Counselor for the past 25 years.  Over these many years, I have also been able to support students, teachers, and families in all buildings and grade levels. I graduated in 1992 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in Human Services. In 1996 after a brief time working directly within the mental health treatment system, I obtained my Master's in Counseling with a concentration in Substance Abuse from Montclair State University.  This included the NJ Department of Education SAC Certification. The Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) is the primary counseling and intervention specialist in most New Jersey schools.  The SAC is trained to assist students in coping with emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues.

In my pursuit of continuing education, I have earned 32+ Post Masters Credits and regularly attend professional development in the areas of mental health, intervention, prevention, and crisis management.   Most recently I  also became a Life Coach from Rider University specializing in parenting. I  additionally serve on the Lead Response team for the Rutgers UBHC Traumatic Loss Coalition of Essex County which is a service to schools that experience a loss of a school or community member. We give additional support and psychological first aid to those districts in need of services. 

Along with this support,  I am a member of the District Crisis Management Team providing counseling for groups, individuals, parents, and colleagues.  I  provide support in the areas of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Crisis Intervention., Academic Planning, Community Resource Referral, Group Leadership & Planning, Bereavement, and Parenting.  I have been trained in Psychological First Aid and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. During my years at GRHS, I have extensive experience as a coordinator/case manager of the Intervention and Referral Services and Section 504/ADA Committees. In accordance with Policy 5512 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying, I have served as the designated Bullying Specialist for the High School.

Services are confidential.

Students enrolled in GROW may discuss issues such as self-esteem and image, academic motivation, family problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, school problems, bullying, relationship issues, eating disorders, stress, drug/alcohol issues, or any other topic.

In addition to working in Glen Ridge, along with my husband we lived and raised our two children in the community where they attended Glen Ridge Schools.  I enjoy reading, entertaining, home improvement/decorating, spending time with family, friends and dog Bristol as well as going to the beach and shopping.