Margaret Hollingsworth
Senior School Counselor | College & Career Readiness | Student Crisis Response
East River Collegiate Institute
Dear Members of the Search Committee,
I am writing to express my interest in the School Counselor position at East River Collegiate Institute. With a comprehensive background directing secondary counseling programs and supporting diverse adolescent populations within New York schools, I am eager to contribute to your student services department by advancing academic readiness, individualized postsecondary planning, and responsive mental health supports.
In my current role as Lead School Counselor at Morningside Heights Preparatory Academy, I manage a caseload of 240 high school students, overseeing four-year academic planning, emotional wellness, and postsecondary transitions. Over my tenure, I have directed annual college application cycles by organizing dual-enrollment advising, FAFSA completion clinics, and institutional scholarship tracking. Furthermore, through the First-Generation College Pathways Workshop Series, I organized informational sessions connecting students and families with admissions representatives and bilingual financial aid counselors, while authoring a resource handbook outlining matriculation benchmarks and fee waivers. I welcome the opportunity to bring this structured, equity-centered advisory approach to East River Collegiate Institute.
In addition to academic and college counseling, I regularly chair our school crisis intervention team, conducting immediate threat assessments and coordinating with community mental health providers. My work also centers on cross-disciplinary collaboration, partnering with teachers, parents, and school psychologists to facilitate 504 accommodation reviews and multidisciplinary Individualized Education Program conferences. Whether establishing restorative re-engagement plans to address attendance concerns or guiding students through complex academic challenges, my practice remains grounded in proactive consultation and systematic student advocacy.
I look forward to discussing how my counseling experience, student caseload management, and dedication to family engagement align with the mission of East River Collegiate Institute. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Margaret Hollingsworth