Memorial Junior High School Guidance Contact Information
Garrhett Schneider – Assistant Principal
Phone: 516-872-7712
Fax: 516-872-7729
Guidance Phone: 516-872-7722
Guidance FAX: 516-872-7729
Mary E. Colgan – Guidance Secretary
Mary E. Colgan
Yvonne J. Brower – Guidance Secretary
Yvonne J. Brower
Meet Your Memorial Junior High School Counselors
Michele Jackson – Memorial Junior High School
516-872-7726
Michele Jackson
Junior High School Counselor – Grades 7 – 9
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting – Baruch College, C.U.N.Y.
Master of Science in Counselor Education – Queens College, C.U.N.Y.
Post Graduate Certification in Educational Leadership –
(School Building/District Leader) – College of New Rochelle
As a school counselor, my role is to help guide all of my students towards reaching their own individual academic, emotional and social potential. Each day and year my students here at MJHS continue to inspire me to contribute my all to ultimately guide them on a successful path to their desired bright futures in high school and beyond.
“If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress….” -Barack Obama
Michael DiGiovanna – Memorial Junior High School
516-872-7718
Michael DiGiovanna
Junior High Counselor – Grades 7 – 9
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work – Molloy College
Master’s Degree in School Counseling – St. John’s University
On a personal note, I truly enjoy collaborating with the Valley Stream community and feel fortunate to work with dedicated professionals and supportive parents and guardians. It has been rewarding to assist the students with achieving their goals.
Laura Mesa – Memorial Junior High School
516-872-7725
Laura Mesa
Junior High School Counselor, Grades 7-9
Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology –Hofstra University
Master of Science in Education, School Counseling with a Bilingual Extension – St. John’s University
New York State School Counselor of the Year, (SCOY), 2019; Life Changer Nominee, 2020
New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA) Board member
NYSSCA Chairperson of Member Engagement & Recognition, 2021 to present.
PTSA Building Teacher Delegate
School counseling is a rewarding and humbling profession. I am extremely proud to be a part of this profession. Every day, I am amazed and inspired by my students’ goals and achievements. These accomplishments, whether big or small, are equally valued and celebrated. Students need to be seen, heard, and recognized as unique individuals, each with specific needs to maximize their boundless potential. I believe that with a supportive, open-minded, and collaborative team approach, we can develop programs designed to provide the best possible experiences for every student. I fervently consider that… “where a student begins, does not determine what their future will be.”
In addition to my school counseling responsibilities, I enjoy developing strong partnerships with students, parents, faculty, and the Valley Stream Community. I serve as the advisor to the following school co-curricular clubs: the Youth Leadership Club, the Peer Assisted Learning Services (PALS) and Co –advisor to the Students Committed to Social Justice (SCSJ).
On a personal note, I love being a mom. Reading, riding, and cooking are a few things I do to relax. I also enjoy using meaningful quotes. One of my favorite quotes is “Education is for improving the lives of others and leaving your community and world better than you found it.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman
Camile Shaw – Memorial Junior High School
516-872-7709
Camile Shaw
Junior High School Counselor – Grades 8-9 and Restorative Practices
Bachelor’s Degree of Art in Psychology – Columbia University
Master’s Degree of Art in Counseling and Guidance: K-12 Schools – New York University
I am truly honored to be able to work within the Valley Stream community. As a counselor, I am committed to supporting our students with their academic, social, and emotional endeavors. In this role, I hope to continue the work of encouraging students, families, and staff members to have their voices heard.
To my students: in the words of Conan O’Brien, “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.”
Alexandra Panos – Memorial Junior High School
516-872-7728
Alexandra Panos
Junior High Counselor – Grades 7 – 9
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology – University at Albany
Master of Science in Education, Counseling – Hofstra University
I feel very fortunate to work within the Valley Stream community. As a school counselor, I am committed to promoting students’ unique strengths while encouraging them to reach their academic, social and emotional potential. In the words of Harriet Tubman, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” I am excited to help each of you begin building the future you want!
Find your strengths. Be determined. Celebrate your future. Dream big.
Leanna Donahue – Memorial Junior High School
516-872-7730
Leanna Donahue
Junior High School Counselor – Grades 7-9
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Hunter College, C.U.N.Y.
Master of Science in Counselor Education – Queens College, C.U.N.Y.
As a school counselor, I am dedicated to connecting with students and helping them reach all of their goals whether it be academically, socially, or emotionally. Every student is unique, and I am committed to counseling my students as such. Aside from being a counselor, I am also the Crochet Club Advisor as well as a dedicated softball coach. I look forward to working with my students and their families!
