School Counseling

School Counselors

Supporting Students. Preparing for Success.

The Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School Counseling Department supports the academic, career, social, and emotional development of every student. Our team works collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community partners to help students make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and prepare for success in college, career, and life.

We believe a skilled workforce starts here!

How We Support Our Students

Our four school counselors provide individual and group support based on each student’s developmental needs. Services include:

• Academic Planning — Assisting students with academic and Career Technology course selections and planning.
• Career & Postsecondary Planning — Helping students explore career pathways and develop individualized postsecondary plans.
• Student Support — Helping students adjust to the technical high school environment, address challenges, and develop effective coping strategies.
• Personal & Social Counseling — Providing individual and group counseling to support students’ social and emotional well-being.
• Family & Community Collaboration — Working with parents, staff, and outside agencies to coordinate appropriate supports.
• Student Support Teams — Collaborating with the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) and Student Assistance Team (SAT).
• 504 Support — Serving as 504 Case Managers and coordinating accommodations and support.

Student Support Services

Our Support Services team includes two full-time school psychologists and a school social worker who work collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community agencies to address students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and educational needs.

School Psychologists

Our school psychologists:

• Consult with students, parents, teachers, staff, and community agencies.
• Provide individual and group counseling.
• Help students develop strategies to address challenges that may interfere with learning and school success.
• Collaborate with families and school staff to identify appropriate supports and interventions.
• Support students’ social-emotional and behavioral development.

School Social Worker

Our school social worker provides support to students and families by:

• Providing individual support and counseling to students.
• Helping students navigate social, emotional, behavioral, and school-related challenges.
• Connecting students and families with school and community resources.
• Collaborating with parents, school staff, and community agencies to coordinate services and supports.
• Advocating for students and helping remove barriers that may impact their educational success.

Our Commitment

Our Counseling and Support Services teams are committed to creating a supportive school environment where students feel heard, supported, and prepared for their future.

Whether a student needs help with course selection, career planning, personal challenges, or accessing additional support, our team is here to help.

Meet Our Counseling & Support Services Team 

Kristin Goodwin

Students with the last names beginning with A-E

Kristin.goodwin@cttech.org  860-412-7518

Book time with Goodwin, Kristin (Ellis)

Patrick Gildea

Students with the last names beginning with F-Mc
Patrick.gildea@cttech.org – 860-412-7510

Laura Whiting
Students with the last names beginning with Me-S

laura.whiting@cttech.org – 860-412-7828

Book time with Whiting, Laura (Ellis)

Sheila S. Bedard

Director of School Counseling and Admissions

Students with the last names beginning with T-Z
Sheila.bedard@cttech.org – 860-412-7570

Book time with Bedard, Sheila (Ellis)

School Psychologists

Esther Camerota-MacNeill
esther.camerota@cttech.org – 860-412-7515

Laura Weedon
laura.weedon@cttech.org – 860-412-7606

School Social Worker

Janice Perez-Rivera
Janice.perezrivera@cttech.org – 860-412-7547

Administrative Assistant

Lisa Lemaire

Lisa.lemaire@cttech.org – 860-412-7571

Need Support?
Students and families are encouraged to reach out to their school counselor or a member of our Support Services team. We are here to help our students navigate high school and prepare for what comes next.

Call 988 – Suicide Hotline

Call 211 – United Way of Connecticut Resources

Call 911 – Emergency Services