Guidance Counselors
Our Guidance Team works closely with our students to ensure their academic success and social-emotional well being.
They help our newest students through the transition from pre-K into Kindergarten, on and up through Middle Grades and Upper Grades. They provide individual and group counseling to help all of our students with their academic, personal, social, and career development. They work with Upper Grades students to ensure they fulfill their New York State graduation requirements and take an appropriately challenging array of classes that are aligned with their post-secondary interests.
The guidance department works to support students academically, socially and emotionally, and provides an outlet for all students. To this end, NEST+m’s Guidance Team provides the following services:
- A safe space for students and staff
- Group counseling sessions
- Academic counseling and transcript review
- College counseling
- Communication with families
- Referrals to outside agencies and support for students and families
- At-risk counseling, crisis counseling, individual-mandated counseling
- Conflict mediation
- Reports of suspected child abuse
- Admissions liaisons, work with incoming families and applicants
LOWER GRADES
Our K-5 school counselor works with students who need guidance support to help them develop their social-emotional skills. Our school offers individual and group counseling for concerns related to a child’s social emotional development in school. Guidance services might include: Supporting your child’s transition to NEST+m, Supporting following classroom rules, Building coping skills to manage anxiety and emotional regulation. Please be sure to speak with your child's classroom teacher before reaching out to the guidance counselor.
Sarah Liogys, Lower Grades Guidance Counselor (Grades K-5)
MIDDLE GRADES
The Middle School Guidance Counselor works closely with all Middle School students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators to build an inviting and supportive school environment, where everyone is valued and respected. Your concerns are taken seriously and we help you find a workable solution. In addition to helping Middle School students navigate the admissions process for high school, The Guidance Counselor helps with academic difficulties, peer relationships, drug and alcohol issues, and special education issues. The goal is to help your child succeed both academically and personally during their time at NEST+m.
Melissa Chen, Middle Grades Guidance Counselor (Grades 6-8)
UPPER GRADES
The Upper Grade Guidance counselors work closely with our students to ensure their academic success and social-emotional well being. They begin by assisting our newest students through the transition from Middle Grades to our Upper Grades. Counselors provide individual and group counseling to help all of our students with their academic, personal, social, and career development. Counselors work with all students to ensure they fulfill their New York State graduation requirements and take an appropriately challenging array of classes that are aligned with their post-secondary interests.
Upper Grade counselors also conduct mediation sessions, operate the Health Resource Room, and provide crisis intervention. Please contact us with any questions about how we can help your child succeed personally and academically during their time at NEST+m. Visit the Upper Grades Guidance website for more information.
- Stephanie Glickman, Upper Grades Guidance Counselor (Grades 9&11 for 2025-2026)
- Katherine Silva, Upper Grades Guidance Counselor (Grades 10&12 for 2025-2026)
- Nancy Alba, College Counselor
- Meryl Nowicki, College Counselor
- Alexis (Lexi) Rubenstein, K-12 Social Worker
