Guidance & School Counseling Department

Guidance Department - Personnel

Matthew Spatz (District Director of Guidance) . . Ext 13130

Northern Valley Demarest

Michael O'Malley (NVD Lead Counselor) . . . . .. . . Ext 13100

School Counseling Program and the Role of the Guidance Counselor

Framed by the American School Counseling Association’s National Model, we are a comprehensive, data-driven, school counseling program focusing on three domains: academic, career (including college) and social-emotional development of every child.

The counselor’s role is to facilitate the process of student growth and development in the educational program while planning for future success. Students can expect professional advice and assistance from the Guidance Department. The counselor serves as an important connection among the student, teacher, school and home.

Student contacts with a guidance counselor are both voluntary and scheduled. Counselors meet with students individually, in small group and larger group settings.