By Evan Wen (IV) The Pingry counseling department is excited to welcome a new counselor for both high school and middle school students, Ms. Maurisa Thomas.
Before coming to Pingry, Ms. Thomas received a Bachelor’s Degree in history and secondary education at The College of New Jersey before working as a high school history teacher. After this, Ms. Thomas realized she wanted a different connection with her students and decided to go back to college for a master’s degree. At the New Jersey City University, she received a Master’s Degree in mental health and school counseling. She then returned to The College of New Jersey to receive a post-master’s degree. Upon completing her education, Ms. Thomas interned and spent four years as a public middle school counselor.
At Pingry, Ms. Thomas will be teaching Wellness 7, a course that focuses on social interactions with peers as well as physical and mental wellness. In addition to teaching this course and counseling, Ms. Thomas is interested in getting to know students better and will be visiting advisory groups along with Dr. Rosen.
So far, Ms. Thomas has enjoyed being able to work with a large group of students from both the upper and middle schools. Her goals for the year are to break the mental health stigma and reach out more. In addition, she plans on getting to know the culture and community by attending events such as the Fall Play and sports games. Outside of life at Pingry, Ms. Thomas enjoys listening to music, reading leisurely, comedy shows, nature, and all around “enjoying life.”
“Don’t be afraid to visit me,” she said. “You don’t need to have a big mental health challenge. If you just need someone to talk to you can always visit me.”