Hello everyone, I am Miss Lea Donaghy and this is my second year as a Professional School Counselor. I am beyond excited to spend this time with you! I earned my BA in Psychology and my Masters in Counseling in Educational Settings from Rowan University. My goal is to provide students with the tools they need to excel in their academic, social, and emotional well-being. I enjoy using a person-centered and social justice approach to counseling because all students come with different experiences and unique personalities. These approaches have allowed me to meet the needs of each individual student. 

I am looking forward to working with the other school counselors, teachers, parents, staff, and, of course, students to create a safe space where everyone feels valued and heard. I am here to help with individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom lessons. 

When I am not at school, I enjoy playing on my wheelchair hockey team, hanging with my friends and family, and advocating for disability rights!

I cannot wait to meet you. Let’s make this year a great one!

Appointments: Email

TRANSITIONAL COACH INFORMATION: Program Registration Form
In response to the critical shortage of student support services across the nation's schools, where the average counselor-to-student ratio is 1-to-408, our program introduces a novel approach to address the unmet behavioral health needs of students. At a time when nearly 40% of students are battling untreated behavioral health disorders—a situation that significantly affects attendance, instructional time, disciplinary issues, and overall school climate—we offer hope.

Our program uniquely positions Transitional Coaches in schools to bridge the gap in student support services. These professionals, with their background in counseling, social work, and related fields, are dedicated to nurturing the potential within each child, assisting them to navigate challenges such as academic underachievement, bullying, negative peer influences, grief and loss, low self-esteem, and more.

Working in close collaboration with the school counselors, school leadership team, and staff, Transitional Coaches focus on the holistic development of students. They implement an evidence-based curriculum aimed at fostering respect for authority, goal-setting, assertive communication, substance-use prevention, cultural respect, self-value, and coping mechanisms for personal issues, trauma, and anxiety, among other topics.

Our service is uniquely designed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity, provided at no cost to students, families, or schools, and without affecting any family’s insurance premiums or plans. By aligning with the school's and district's overarching missions and goals, our program not only supports the individual student but also enhances the overall school climate, ensuring a nurturing environment for all students to thrive.