School Counselor Selected for National Fellowship

Rooted in Stanford University’s renowned DYL framework that is based on the No. 1 New York Times Best Seller Designing Your Life book, the fellowship will train counselors on how to help students build self-awareness, explore career pathways, and create meaningful education-to-career plans that are aligned with their values.

“Dr. Kirk’s selection for this fellowship is a recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the field of postsecondary advising,” David Hawkins, chief education and policy officer at NACAC, said. “She has been chosen because her work exemplifies the best of our profession: a deep commitment to equity, a bold vision for student success, and a heart for transformative practice.”

Dr. Kirk is among 34 professionals from across the country chosen for this honor. Fellows will complete a 12-month hybrid training experience taught by leading innovators at New York University and Dartmouth College. The program began with an in-person kickoff on Sept. 17, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. The remainder of the fellowship experience will be virtual, with sessions on how to help students clarify their values, navigate uncertainty, and take ownership of their goals.

“As someone who has taught the DYL curriculum, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact it can have on young people. It empowers them to ask big questions, reflect deeply, and design lives filled with purpose and joy,” NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez, said. “I’m thrilled that our inaugural fellows will bring this powerful framework into their advising work, helping thousands of students navigate college and career decisions with greater clarity, confidence and a sense of meaning.”

The fellowship addresses an urgent need for tools that help students reflect on who they are, what they value, and how they can build lives of meaning and economic stability. The program aspires to shift the college advising model – moving from transactional checklists to student-centered coaching that fosters agency, belonging, and long-term goal setting.

For more information about the Designing Your Life Fellowship, visit www.nacacnet.org.

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Designing Your Life Fellowship Cohort:

• Fred Baker, Director of College Counseling, Catholic High School for Boys
• Eunjee Choi, Director of College Counseling, Democracy Prep Public Schools
• Amy Christie, Senior Director of College and Career, Achievement First Public Charter Schools
• Shaniece Devieux, College Counselor, Democracy Prep Harlem High School
• Kristen Dickerson, Director of Guidance and College Counselor, St. Charles Preparatory School
• Billie Downs, District Administrator and Career Center Director, Groton High School
• Jonathan Ferrell, Director of College Counseling, Pace Academy
• Carla Geary, Counselor, Compton High School
• Dominique Gunn, Assistant Director of College Advising, I Know I Can
• Norma Gutierrez, Post Secondary Counselor, Minnetonka High School
• Michael Hennicke, Co-Director of College Counseling, Marquette University High School
• Judy Henriquez, Director of Postsecondary Counseling, The Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics
• Jennifer Kirk, High School Counseling Curriculum Leader, Upper St. Clair High School
• Ann Kjorstad, College and Career Counselor, Academy of Holy Angels
• Sara Kyle, Director of College Counseling, The Blake School
• Lisa Maloney, Future Ready Coordinator, Avonworth High School
• Maria Martinez, CAP Advisor, Miami Sunset Senior High School
• Adam Materasso, Dean of College Counseling, The Pennington School
• Maggie McGrath, Executive Director, Higher Education Compact of Greater Cleveland
• Carol Moreno, School Counselor, Animo Venice Charter High School
• Tricia Morgan, Director of College Counseling, Episcopal Collegiate School
• Emmanuel Moses, Director of Guidance and Transition, The Opportunity Network
• David Quinn, Director of International Baccalaureate, Harlem Village Academies High School
• Warren Quirett, Associate Director of College Counseling, Episcopal High School
• Richard Ramirez, Higher Education Coordinator, Compton Unified School District
• Alyssa Frank Reichman, Schawbel College Resource Center Director, Boston Latin School
• Elise Rodriguez, Director of College Counseling, Thaden School
• Andrew Sanchez, Director of College and Career Readiness, District of Columbia International School
• Brian K Smith, Dean of College Counseling and English Instructor, Marlborough School
• Chad Terry, Licensed School Counselor, Rosemount High School
• Javon Thomas, Associate Director of College and Career, Washington Leadership Academy
• Alyson Tom, Director of College Counseling and Academic Advising, Pinewood School
• Michelle Wilson, Director of Post-Secondary Transition, Imhotep Institute Charter High School