WOODBURY — A problem solver, a therapist, a mentor – these are all things that students find themselves wishing they had on a daily basis. This is especially true when applying to universities, and even in the simplest of struggles students may experience in school. Yet, at Nonnewaug High School, there is one person who has everything students seek and more.
Kathy Green, the College and Career Resource Center counselor at Nonnewaug, embodies more than just her title – she is a crucial part of not only the school, but the student body as well. She’s been a member of Nonnewaug’s staff since 2017, and her seemingly ordinary job has become a great love of hers.
“I took a long-term sub position at Nonnewaug seven years ago and filled in for the college and career counselor, who was on maternity leave,” she said. “I loved the role. The next year I returned to Nonnewaug as a part-time counselor, but the year after I swapped positions with the college and career counselor and have been in this capacity since.”
Nonnewaug alumna Mallory Tomkalski, now a freshman at Clemson University, experienced the value of Green throughout her time at Nonnewaug.
“She is very realistic with students and tells them everything they need to do to get to where they want to go,” Tomkalski said. “She is also great at helping students deal with all the hardships and rejection that is part of the application process. She’s just a really great person to know for any setbacks, and simply an amazing resource for Nonnewaug students.”
Throughout Green’s time as a member of Nonnewaug’s staff, she has helped students in more ways than meets the eye. Her knowledge spans beyond the world of secondary education – students not seeking to attend college also find great value in her work.
“Not every student is seeking to go on to college, so we work on a variety of post-secondary planning,” Green said. “We explore tech schools, interest inventories and work options.”
Even further, the space that Green has created in the CCRC is a place for students to be themselves and connect with one another.
“One of my favorite parts of the CCRC is how students end up helping one another,” she said. “It seems to be a space where friend groups disappear and students find commonalities with others whom they may have never spoken to. It’s a great space for students to bond over challenges and ways to overcome them.”
Nonnewaug senior Megan Keating is among the many students who view Green with admiration.
“By reading all about us [while helping with our college applications] she gets an idea of who we all are outside of school, other than just students of Nonnewaug,” Keating described, “and she can form strong connections with each and every one of us [because of it].”
Not only can students see the privilege of having Green at Nonnewaug, but so can her coworkers. Lauren Buchta, one of the counselors at Nonnewaug, speaks very highly of her colleague.
“Mrs. Green focuses on each student holistically and provides much more than guidance on post secondary options,” Buchta said. “She also sets an amazing example of an adult with drive, compassion, a positive mindset, and admirable social skills for our students.”
The compassion with which the students and faculty of Nonnewaug view Green has remained unwavering over the years, even in the most difficult moments of her career — especially when her position was cut during the winter of 2020.
What might have been the lowest moment in her career quickly evolved into a testament to her importance within the Nonnewaug community.
“I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support when it was announced that my position was cut. Online petitions were created and letters in support of my position were written by students (present and past), community members, and colleagues,” said Green. “This response from the community really affirmed the value of the work I was doing, and provided me hope that student’s best interests would ultimately be served.”
The persistence of the community in support of Green’s return resulted in her reinstatement to the job – and to what the community would describe as the place she belongs.
“Even though Green was laid off for a period of time, it was seamless for her to come back to her job,” said Keating. “It’s like you would have never known something like that happened to her.”
Especially after this emotional occurrence in her career, Green views her position with extreme gratitude.
“I love my job! I feel grateful for the opportunity to be in the CCRC because it is a space that allows for more than just post-secondary planning,” Green said. “That is a major part of my role, but the space also allows me to problem solve with teenagers about a variety of topics relevant in their lives. I get to focus and celebrate student’s strengths and interests in my capacity and work on action steps to make forward progress.”
