Welcome

Welcome to our site!

Middle school is such an exciting, important time in your life! It can bring so many changes, both good and challenging. As your school counselors, we are here to help you through it all.

This website is meant to provide resources for students and parents/guardians. If at any time you need assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 Mission, vision, & Beliefs

HB Whitehorne School Counseling Mission: The School Counseling Department's goal at HBW is to implement a comprehensive counseling program that will meet every student's needs on an academic, personal, social, and emotional level. Middle school years can be a very turbulent and confusing time for some preteens. Working in collaboration with teachers and parents, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students make a successful transition into this time of new beginnings and rapid growth. Our hope is that by the time our students leave HBW, they will have gained a heightened sense of responsibility, maturity, and the skills and tools needed to continue on their journey towards success in all areas of their life in order to become productive and contributing members of their community as well as society as a whole. The mission of the counselors at HBW is based on the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) National Model of Counseling.

HB Whitehorne School Counseling Vision: The HBW School Counselors will help provide all students with a safe, warm, and encouraging environment as they work to reach their fullest educational potential in the areas of academic, career, and personal development. HBW School Counselors are committed to establishing a solid foundation as students successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, and productive citizens who respect both themselves and others.

HB Whitehorne School Counseling Belief Statements: The HBW School Counselors believe:

 About US

Ms. Schussel - Carnegie

Hello! My name is Lynn Schussel and I am proud to introduce myself to you as HBW's Carnegie House School Counselor!

The 2023-24 school year will be my fourth year at HBW (time really flies)! Despite a very atypical first couple years due to COVID, I have really enjoyed being a part of the HB community and am always looking forward to all that is to come! Before joining the HBW staff, I spent six years working as a counselor for the Franklin Township Public Schools in Somerset, NJ. Prior to that, I volunteered over 1,700 hours through AmeriCorps as an Education Specialist in Orange, NJ. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University, an M.Ed. with a focus in School Counseling from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.

I am passionate about education because our jobs are so critical in shaping the trajectory of the lives of our students. School counselors are crucial to developing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success for all. I believe each and every student has dignity, worth, and the capacity to learn in a safe school environment. Here at HBW, I provide a comprehensive counseling program, including classroom guidance, academic planning, responsive services, and system support. 

When I'm not in school, you can find me at the gym, on the couch with a good book, traveling, or, when it's warm, in the sand at the beach. I work part-time as a fitness coach at Orangetheory. I'm also a voracious reader and love tearing through the list of New York Times bestsellers, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, playing Scrabble, and doing crossword puzzles. This summer, my fiancé and I adopted a golden retriever puppy, Charley, and we are obsessed with her!

I'm very much looking forward to working with you and your student(s) this year!

Ms. Warshaw - Olmsted 

Hello!  I have been one of the School Counselors at HBW for more than 10 years and I absolutely love it!  I enjoy working with my students and assisting them with academic, social, and emotional issues.  I also enjoy getting to know my students even better through the Advisory classes where I can learn about their personal interests and goals.

I began my career in education teaching French at Verona High School and that was just “magnifique!”  During that time, I enjoyed speaking with my students one-on-one, which inspired me to become a School Counselor.  I then worked as a School Counselor at Verona High School before moving to the middle school in order to work more closely with the pre-teen population.

Outside of school, I enjoy being active, going to see musicals, and I LOVE all animals (especially cats!).

I am looking forward to working with my students and parents this year and assisting you in any way that I can!  Stay safe and be well!

Ms. Ramirez - Counselor & HIB Specalist

Hello! My name is Victoria Ramirez and I am the Elementary and Middle School HIB Specialist, and a School Counselor at HBW. 


I started working at Verona schools in September of 2022. Prior to working in Verona, I was a paraprofessional and SEL counselor. I have a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Rowan University and a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Seton Hall University. I also hold a certification as an Anti-Bullying Specialist from the state of New Jersey. 


I have always had a passion to work in education and I became a counselor because I believe every student should feel supported and heard. I enjoy working with students, getting to know them for who they are, helping them with their academics, being able to express themselves and social/emotional issues. 


Outside of school, I am a High School Varsity Field hockey Coach. I have been coaching for six years. I also enjoy spending time with family and being active. I enjoy playing and watching sports but also going to see broadway plays. 


I am excited and looking forward to working with all our students here at HBW in all grades. Additionally, for the 2023-2024 school year, I will be teaching advisory to our 5th grade students.

FORMS & DOCS

Stay tuned for any important, pertinent information. We will update this section throughout the school year as needed.