Counseling Department

The Counseling Department strives to support students within the context of Ursuline core values and philosophy: attention to the needs of the individual; emphasis on the development of the student as a whole person; openness to diversity; recognition of the gifts and dignity of every student; promotion of academic excellence; and empowerment of the student. The Counseling Department provides individual counseling, counseling classes, standardized test interpretation, and college readiness tools. The department works with students on academic, behavioral, social, and emotional concerns. A key component of the program is ongoing collaboration with students, faculty, and parents.

Student Assistance Council (SAC). The SAC council meets regularly to address individual student issues that may be having a significant, adverse effect on educational performance. The council is comprised of an administrator, school counselors, school psychologist, and the academic services coordinator.

Speech and Language. School speech and language services are provided by our academic language consultant to develop and improve language-based learning strategies for students needing such assistance. Individual and/or small group sessions can be scheduled.

Psychology. School psychological services are available to students and parents for consultation, counseling, and assessment regarding academic, behavioral, and emotional concerns.


Counseling Department Faculty

Ms. Megan Bobinger

School Counselor
B.S., Xavier University
M.A., Xavier University
School: 5137915791 ext. 1288

Ms. Michelle Byrd

School Counselor, Department Co-Coordinator
B.A., University of Cincinnati
M.A., Xavier University
School: 513-791-5791 ext. 1280

Ms. Melissa Conner

Academic Services Coordinator
B.A., Tusculum University
M.S, University of Tennessee
School: 5137915791 ext. 1266

Ms. Rose Grafton

Administrative Assistant - Counseling
B.B.A., Adrian College
School: 513-791-5791 ext. 2100

Ms. Emily (Dull) LaForge

Class of 2002
Counselor, Bring Change To Mind Co-Moderator
B.A. & B.S., University of Dayton
M.S.Ed., University of Dayton
M.S.Ed., DePaul University

Ms. Colette Larson

CCHMC Therapist

Ms. Courtney Medina

Class of 2013
Student Success Center Assistant
B.S., Georgetown College

Dr. Meghan Purple

Psychologist, Bring Change To Mind Co-Moderator
B.A., Le Moyne College
M.Ed., University of Cincinnati
Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
School: 513-791-5791 ext. 1290

Ms. Kristina Schwartz

Counselor
B.S., University of Cincinnati
M.Ed., Xavier University
School: 15137915791 ext. 1274

Ms. Jen Starr

Counselor
B.S., Kent State
M.Ed., University of Cincinnati
Certificate in College Counseling, UCLA

Ms. Liz Vorholt

School Counselor, Spectrum Moderator
B.S., Xavier University
M.A., Xavier University
School: 513-791-5791 ext. 1284

Ms. Katy Zwolinski

Freshman/Sophomore Counselor
B.A., Florida State University
M.A., Xavier University

Counseling classes at Ursuline

Ursuline is proud to be one of the only high schools in our area to offer such a comprehensive Counseling program. Ursuline Counselors meet with students not only on an individual basis throughout the school year, but also each week in a classroom setting in their Counseling class: Freshman Guidance (Grade 9), Sophomore Guidance (Grade 10), and College Planning (Grade 11). Topics discussed in Freshman Guidance include good decision-making skills, time management, study and organizational skills, healthy friendships, the importance of values, and résumé development. Sophomore Guidance classes cover topics such as stress management, balancing rigorous academics with co-curriculars, college/career exploration, and test-taking strategies. In College Planning, students learn about the college selection criteria, explore college majors, and learn about scholarships/financial aid. During their senior year, students work more closely with their College Counselors and have individualized time to work on college applications and implement skills from their College Planning class.