Guidance

The goal of the Morris Catholic High School Guidance Department is to provide each student with a consistent, value-based resource in charting his or her most appropriate educational path.

The Dean of Guidance works collaboratively with the guidance counselors, specialists, and department administrative assistant to meet the counseling, testing, and college placement needs of our students. The Guidance Department also maintains close communications with teachers and parents, and thus provides a strong support network for students.

Guidance Staff

Guidance Department

Guidance Department

Cosmo Lorusso

Director of College Admissions, Junior and Senior Year Guidance Counselor

Montclair State College: Bachelor of Arts, English

Northeastern University: Master of Arts in Writing

Mr. Lorusso has worked in education as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor since 1987.

As the junior and senior guidance counselor, I begin to work with students through their junior year and stay with them through graduation. I assist in creating senior course schedules that will challenge students and give them the rigor they will need to earn acceptances into colleges. Together we develop a college plan. I guide all seniors through the college application process and submit all required documents to the colleges to which they apply.

Maria Mendoza, MSW, LCSW

9th and 10th grade Guidance Counselor and SSD Coordinator

Amherst College: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Spanish Literature

Boston College: Masters of Social Work, Clinical Social Work

Maria Mendoza has been a Guidance Counselor at Morris Catholic since 2016 and working in the Mental Health field since 2003.

As a 9th and 10th grade guidance counselor, I support students' transition into high school and foster their social and emotional development. I assist in creating their course schedules to help keep them challenged and engaged academically. In addition, I am the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) coordinator for students with an individual service and support plan.

Toni Havers, CSW

Advisory Teacher and Counselor

Key Club Advisor and After School Academic Program Case Manager

Edinboro University of PA: Bachelors's Degree in Social Work

Toni Havers has been a Guidance Counselor at Morris Catholic since 2016 and working in the Behavioral Health field since 2007.

I work with freshmen through seniors in an individualized structured program that monitors academic growth and goals. Students will be taught the following: time management skills, organizational skills, stress management, preparedness, and self-advocacy skills. This class provides additional support to ensure students succeed at MCHS.

Karen Shaw

Administrative Assistant to the Guidance Department

Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MA

I provide administrative support to the Guidance Department. On a daily basis, I interact with students, parents and teachers. I keep track of seniors’ college acceptances. The tradition at MCHS is when seniors are accepted to colleges, we hang the college banner in the hallway and list their name with the corresponding college they are attending. I also assist in various ways with the Baccalaureate, the Senior Awards Ceremony, and Graduation.

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