Colette Kenny Verdes
Coordinator of School Counseling
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, CUNY Brooklyn College; Master’s degree in Reading Education, CUNY Brooklyn College; Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, The California Institute of Integral Studies; School Counseling Certificate, Eastern University
Ms. Verdes has worked in education since 1998, teaching in public and private schools on both the east and west coast. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in traditional brick-and-mortar schools and has also served as a middle school reading specialist. In more recent years, Ms. Verdes has worked in online learning as a high school academic advisor and counselor.
Doing What She Was Meant to Do
Like many educators, Ms. Verdes traces her professional interests back to her childhood. “Some of my earliest memories,” she says, “are of ‘playing school’ with family members,” and has always been drawn specifically to counseling. “As a student, I was eager to be involved in our school counseling program,” she recalls, “whether I was in elementary, middle, or high school.”
Today, Ms. Verdes considers it a privilege to work with students on academics, college- and career-readiness, and social-emotional goals. “I have always wanted to help others,” she explains, “especially young people.” In addition to being a certified school counselor, Ms. Verdes is also a licensed professional counselor.
Understanding, Supporting, Guiding
Ms. Verdes is proud of the “wealth of opportunities” offered to students at Pennwood Cyber Charter School—from AP®* classes to dual high school/college enrollment to project-based learning experiences.
She understands the role she plays in all of it, helping students and families with personal challenges, family matters, academic concerns, and more. “My favorite part of the job is when I have an opportunity to meet with students,” Ms. Verdes explains, whether it’s one-on-one, in small groups, or in whole-group lessons. “Getting to know students and families is an important—and often fun—part of my role as coordinator of counseling,” she says, “so that I can best support and guide them.”
*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.