School Counselor

Welcome! I'm Ms. Monica, and I am PS17's Bilingual School Counselor!

  I am dedicated to supporting our students' social emotional growth. Having started my career at an early age, I have developed a deep connection with students and proudly serve as a generational advocate for them.  Throughout my career, I have successfully helped students understand and manage stress, improve social skills, boost self-esteem, and enhance organization skills. I utilize a solution-focused approach, with hints of cognitive behavioral and reality approaches when necessary with my students.  
  As a proud Latina who grew up in an affluent and diverse community in the South Bronx, I believe it is crucial to actively be involved in education.  Schools are responsible for promoting cultural responsiveness, creating connections between education and the community, and fostering diversity and equity. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with minors in Sociology + Afro/Puerto Rican/Latino Studies, and I earned my Master's Degree in School Counseling from Hunter College. This educational foundation has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students, and my background drives me to help close the achievement gap and support our diverse student body effectively.
  I am passionate about the positive influence a strong counselor-student connection can have. I am continually inspired by my students' social-emotional growth, and seeing their emotional intelligence develop fuels my passion for supporting my community. Every day, I am motivated by the progress I see in my students, and I am committed to helping them succeed. If you have any questions, or just want to say hello, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]