National School Counseling Week will be celebrated this week Feb. 5–9, 2017, to focus attention on the unique contribution of school counselors and the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success.

Please take a moment this week to thank and recognize your counselor for all they do for Chestnut Ridge.

Mrs. Susan Kane, 6th Grade School CounselorMrs. Kane earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from LaSalle University and a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services from Rowan University. She has been a proud member of the Washington Township School District since 1989. Mrs. Kane taught at Orchard Valley Middle School before becoming a counselor here at Chestnut Ridge. She is involved with many organizations and committees, such as the I&RS Team, the 504 Committee and the School Safety Team. Mrs. Kane really enjoys working with students at the middle level and also loves to spend time with her family and relax on the beach. 

Mrs. Deana Leonard, 7th Grade School CounselorMrs. Leonard received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a certification in Secondary Education Social Studies from Glassboro State College in 1992. She taught World History and US History I at WTHS for 10 years. Mrs. Leonard received her Master’s Degree in Student Personnel Services in 1999 from Rowan University. She became a school counselor at CRMS in 2003. Mrs. Leonard participates in various committees, including but not limited to DEAC, Olweus, the 504 Committee, I&RS Team and Attendance & Safe Schools organization, to assist with the success of her students and the school as a whole. Mrs. Leonard was regonized as CRMS Teacher of the Year for the 2009-2010 School Year.Mrs. Leonard enjoys spending time with her family, summers at the beach and fishing on their boat. She is a proud Washington Township High School and Hurffville Elementary School parent. 

Mrs. Jaclyn Vernon, 8th Grade School CounselorMrs. Vernon received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Monmouth University.  She continued her education at Wilmington University and earned a Master of Education in School Counseling in 2015.  Before she joined the counseling team at Chestnut Ridge in 2016, she worked as an elementary counselor in Paulsboro. Mrs. Vernon is involved with several committees and organizations, including the Attendance & Safe Schools Committee, Olweus the I&RS Team and the 504 Committee. Mrs. Vernon enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, and loves relaxing at the beach!

Mr. Alex Illas, SACMr. Illas works as the Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) at Hurffville Elementary School on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as at Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.Immediately out of high school, Mr. Illas enlisted in the United States Navy and received an Honorable Discharge after serving on active duty for 7 years.  Later, he earned his AAS Degree in Law Enforcement from GCC.  Next, he transferred to Rowan and earned his BA in Law and Justice, '92.  Subsequently, Mr. Illas returned to Rowan Grad School and achieved his SAC Certification.Previously, he was a SAC at another school within Gloucester County, this after retiring from a career in law enforcement.  Five years ago, Mr. Illas's wife and he moved to Oklahoma where he worked as a Supervisor for American Airlines, Tech Ops.  In 2015, they moved back to the Garden State and Mr. Illas was hired by the WTPS BOE for this role.Mr. Illas's goal is to do his best to ensure that students have the BEST chance at remaining safe, healthy, and drug free.  To achieve this goal, he will work with administration, teaching staff, counselors, as well as parents.