Individual college counseling starts day one.
The goal of college counseling at Sacred Heart is to ensure each student is in the strongest position to select and pursue the colleges and universities that are the best match for their skills, interests, and aspirations.
Sacred Heart’s college counseling program is unique in that it begins at the start of ninth grade. Comprehensive and structured, the program not only advises students on their college options and applications, but also supports our students on course selection, standardized test preparation, essay writing, financial aid, and more.
Experienced and effective counselors, Rebecca Skipper and Alexa Ray Schecterson each work with an average of 30 students, which allows them to develop strong relationships and a deep understanding of each student’s abilities and strengths.
College Counseling Journey Highlights
From day one of 9th grade, students understand that the door to the College Counseling Office is always open.
Meet the Team
Rebecca Skipper
Director of College Counseling
212-722-4745, ext. 325
rskipper@cshnyc.org
Mrs. Skipper began her career in the Davidson College Office of Admission and Financial Aid, where she recruited students and reviewed applications from all over the country. During graduate school, Mrs. Skipper began working with Henry Street Settlement as a college counselor, and helped high school juniors and seniors navigate the college and financial aid application processes. After earning her MSW, Mrs. Skipper joined the Sacred Heart community in 2013.
Alexa Ray Schecterson
Associate Director of College Counseling
212-722-4745, ext. 315
aschecterson@cshnyc.org
Mrs. Schecterson's professional career began at her alma mater, Smith College, where she served as a Student Representative on the Smith College Board of Admission. After graduating from Smith, Mrs. Schecterson worked as an Assistant Dean of Admission at Hamilton College, where she was responsible for reviewing, preparing, and presenting applications for both first-year and transfer applicants. During graduate school, Mrs. Schecterson interned in the Columbia University Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing. After earning her master's degree in Higher Education and College Advising from Columbia University, Mrs. Schecterson joined the Sacred Heart community in 2022.
Helen Fernandez
College Counseling Administrative Assistant
212-722-4745 ext. 328
hfernandez@cshnyc.org
Ms. Fernandez is an alum of a New York City independent school, and she is excited to bring empathy and compassion to her work in the College Counseling Office at Sacred Heart. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in education because of the amazing role models she had throughout her time in high school and college, who fostered her love for learning and helping others. Ms. Fernandez is looking forward to helping students develop and grow, and to providing guidance throughout the college process.