Michelle Smith-Packard has worked with Marlborough Public Schools at Marlborough High School for seven years as a School Adjustment Counselor/ School Social Worker. Michelle graduated from Clark University with a BA in Psychology and sub concentrations in Studio Art and Early Childhood Education in 1994. Michelle took a gap year after college and taught preschool for low income families before attending the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, earning a MSW in Clinical Social Work in 1997 and currently holds a DESE Educator License for School Adjustment Counseling and an LICSW to practice clinical social work in the state of Massachusetts. Michelle interned at Medfield State Hospital and a clinical preschool called the Family Development Center at Boston Medical Center during her Masters studies. Michelle began her career as an in-home therapist with homeless families though SMOC Behavioral Health Services and then became an School Adjustment Counselor for the McGovern Elementary School in Medway MA. Michelle then worked on an inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents on the Child Development Unit at MWMC Leonard Morse Campus. While raising her family, she worked part time for Advocates Community Counseling as a therapist working with adolescents and families before returning to School Adjustment Counseling. .

Michelle loves to spend time with her husband, her three teen children and their three cats. Michelle enjoys walking in nature,watching the Red Sox, Netflix and Hulu, gardening and cooking. Michelle has interests in Mediation, Reiki and Mindfulness practices for schools. Michelle feels passionate about equity and racial justice and spends time reading and researching improving her school social work practice.

Gorete Wilson is a Licensed School Adjustment Counselor and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who has been working at Marlborough High School for the last 23 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Westfield State University where she double majored in Spanish as well. She received her Masters of Social Work from Boston College. Early in her career Gorete worked as a youth outreach counselor, and at the Key Program Juvenile Detention Center with male adolescents as a support staff. She interned for a year as a social worker at Medfield State Hospital. Gorete has experience working in the clinical outpatient setting seeing clients with mental health issues.

Gorete is tri-lingual and speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish and has worked her entire career supporting students and families in the school community whose first language is not English. Gorete is passionate about providing opportunities for all students.

When not at work Gorete loves to spend time with her family including her 3 teenage daughters and husband. She loves animals and has 3 cats. Her favorite color is green and she loves to travel, especially overseas. She has family all over Europe and has been to Portugal and Spain just to name a couple. Gorete is an avid Disney fan and has been to her favorite place on earth multiple times.

Jill Berson is a Licensed School Adjustment Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) for Marlborough Public Schools at Marlborough High School. Jill earned her master’s degree at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Jill has lived in Massachusetts all her life and currently resides in Marlborough. She has worked in many different settings, including adolescent treatment facilities and alternative day school programs throughout Massachusetts. This is Jill’s fourth year at Marlborough High School. She is the adjustment counselor in the therapeutic learning center (TLC) and provides social/emotional services to students on IEP’s. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and extended family. You can usually find her on the beach in the summer where she collects sea glass. She is also a big Red Sox and Patriot’s fan.

Jennifer Zannoni is a licensed School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker who has worked at the Hildreth School since 2011. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Westfield State University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fitchburg State University. In 2017, she earned her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study degree (CAGS) at Assumption College in Resiliency In the Helping Professions Program. Prior to working in the Marlborough Public Schools, Jennifer worked for the Department of Youth Services and as a social worker for the Department of Children and Families. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. They love spending time in nature, hiking and playing sports. They are especially enjoying their new puppy, Ralph, who is a Bernedoodle.

Rachel Burns is the Guidance and Adjustment Counselor for the Hildreth Program at MHS. This is Rachel's fourth year working with Hildreth families. Previously, Rachel worked as a middle school guidance counselor for six years before returning to Cambridge College (where she obtained her masters degree) to study mental health counseling. Rachel completed her internship at a JRI-run trauma-informed therapeutic residential school. Rachel has a strong background and passion for helping students affected by trauma. In addition to counseling, Rachel also runs the LGBTQ and Friends Club. Rachel enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors (hiking or the beach), photography, and being with family and friends. She may also be seen dancing in the school hallways from time to time!

"Don't take life too seriously. Take a deep breath and remember to laugh at yourself." 🙂