Just like the fresh paint on WCHS’s walls, the counseling department is experiencing a new beginning. Two new counselors are walking the WCHS halls and have started wearing bright green and blue. The two new additions are Tyler Reese and Kellie Spivak. Spivak is stepping in for Anthony Purpura, and Reese is taking over for Patrick O’Brien. A new job is always an adjustment, but Spivak is enjoying this change.
“I came to WCHS to challenge myself to grow in my career as a counselor,” Spivak said. “After 12 years at Albert Einstein High School (AEHS), I was ready for a new setting. The staff and students at WCHS are very friendly and welcoming. One of my goals here at WCHS is to bring a positive attitude through my mantra, ‘it is just not that deep,’ because I believe that students should relax and enjoy their time in high school.”
Despite only being at WCHS for a couple of weeks, Spivak has made it look as if she has been here for years. Spivak tries to represent her mantra through the seashell decorations and pictures of waves all around her room. Her calming presence is felt through her scented candles and constantly opens the door for any students who need to unwind after a long day. Spivak has been trying to get to know her students to acclimate to the new environment.
“At AEHS, I was the International Baccalaureate (IB) program counselor, so I saw students who were willing to academically challenge themselves, while there were also students in the regular classes that were not as focused on academics,” Spivak said. “I recognize that not all students are alike, and that they have different aspirations in life. At WCHS, I understand that students put lots of pressure on themselves to do well for various reasons, so I want to make their experience as enjoyable as possible.”
Although some seniors were apprehensive about having a new counselor to guide them through the college application process, Spivak has been able to ease these doubts by showing how dependable and knowledgeable she is. WCHS senior Aryan Majmudar recognizes that Spivak has a more adaptive approach to classes and the college experience, which allows him to appreciate the type of counselor that Spivak is.
“While I was having difficulties trying to change my schedule, Spivak was there for me, and she gave me options in the classes I could take,” Majumdar said. “I saw how hardworking and cooperative she is; she even responded to my emails quickly. I always feel comfortable asking her questions. Just the other day, I went back to her to ask her about Naviance and college information.”
Since Spivak was already familiar with MCPS policies and regulations, she was able to adjust sooner than our other new counselor, Reese. Reese was coming from Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia after working at one of their high schools for five years. However, Reese was able to better understand the area with the help of his new students and staff.
“Being new to Montgomery County, I came in with not much background knowledge of any of the schools here,” Reese said. “I am thankful for all the members of the counseling office who have helped me become acclimated to WCHS and made sure the transition has been smooth for students who find themselves with a new counselor. Everyone I have interacted with at WCHS has always been very open and respectful and made it clear how much fun a school this is.”
Like Spivak, Reese is excited to bring an outsider’s lens to the counseling department. Through daily interactions with the students, Reese hopes to share his belief that school is much more than just a place to learn, but a place for them to develop their interests and grow as people.
“You might spend a good portion of your time sitting at a desk, but there are so many other things happening in the school that you experience that are not happening in your textbook,” Reese said. “I hope that I can help students understand how to pursue their interests and connect with different people to help better prepare them for life after high school while also seeing the opportunities available to them now.”
