The first day at a new job is always nerve racking, but imagine someone’s first day being eight months after the school year began. For Ms. Quintano, that’s exactly what happened. After Ms. Konior left suddenly, in January of last year, Ms. Quintano came to Pelham as the new Student Assistance Counselor and took Ms. Konior’s place as the new Youth 2 Youth club advisor. This school year will be Ms. Quintano’s first full year with Pelham and she hopes it will be a memorable one.

Ms. Quintano was hired in April after the school had gone a month without a Student Assistance Counselor after Ms. Konior’s departure. Working for other schools at the same time, Ms. Quintano decided to move to Pelham, where she is now working full time. Ms. Quintano, called Ms. Q by students, started her first day at Pelham after spring break and remembered feelings of excitement and acceptance.

“I feel like I’m a part of the district and have felt like I belong,” Ms. Q remarked.

Before working in Pelham, Ms. Q had experience working with students for over 15 years and was the Student Assistance Counselor for Yorktown and Ardsley. She works as a part of the Student Assistance Services and couldn’t wait to apply upon hearing that Pelham was in need of a counselor. Ms. Q had heard great reviews about Pelham and knew she would be the right fit for the job.

Ms. Q helps and talks to grades seven through twelve about topics that range from the simple daily struggles of school to more personal matters. Located in Room 253A in the Science Wing, students can stop by to schedule appointments by talking with her, sliding a note under her door, or going to the guidance office.

Along with talking to students one-on- one, Ms. Q does classroom presentations to introduce herself along with giving lectures in the auditorium to entire grades. Ms. Q lends a welcoming hand to students who want to talk about their problems, get advice, or who just need an ear to listen.