In our schools, which are a special setting for Christian education, our priority is pastoral activity which meets the expectations of young people. While being available to all, we take particular care of our students who are experiencing difficulties.
- The Marist Constitutions (87)
Mission Statement & Goals 
The mission of the Guidance Department is to encourage and help students to grow spiritually, emotionally, socially and academically. As a Catholic school in the Marist Tradition, we are committed to the development of the whole person and the idea of "people helping people." In the helping process, our counseling staff involves students, alumni, parents, and faculty. We firmly believe that a young man or woman who achieves a greater personal understanding and is open to the spiritual dimension of life is more likely to lead a more meaningful, productive and happier life.
Freshmen Guidance
The primary objective during freshmen year is to ensure that every student is able to adjust to the new challenges of high school. Students are therefore seen at least twice a year by their guidance counselor. There are two full-time guidance counselors who meet with students. During these meetings, student are given the opportunity to discuss adjustment issues, such as class and homework, making friends, family and any other issues.
We know that there are many challenges as students come from middle school into high school. Through on-on-one, group and parent meetings, we hope to provide support and encouragement to freshmen so they can successfully negotiate their first year at Molloy.
Parent Orientation Evenings
In addition, an evening is set aside in September to introduce parents to the Molloy school community. Freshmen Parent’s Orientation gives parents the opportunity to meet with the administration, counseling staff and their child’s teachers. Parents will run through an abbreviated schedule of a normal school day and receive an outline from each teacher of class goals and expectations.
The S.M.I.L.E. Program
When a student is dealing with a particularly challenging life situation, the counselor has the option of recommending that the student join the S.M.I.L.E. Program. The program consists of various support groups that focus on constructive ways of dealing with serious concerns, such as alcohol or drug problems in the family, students with separated or divorced parents, and students dealing with death in the family. The S.M.I.L.E. program is available to all students at Molloy.
Sophomore Guidance
The sophomore guidance program is designed to bring the freshmen program one step further. There are two phases to the program, Peer Group Counseling and Personal Interviews. The basic philosophy of our program is to help the individual to become a more fully integrated person.
Presently there are two full and two part time sophomore counselors. Every sophomore is seen at least once during the course of the year. Students can also request a personal interview at any time. They are also referred by teachers, the adult peer group counselor and by parents/guardians. One of the part time counselors sees all of the students dealing with academic issues.
The format of the interview centers on the immediate concerns of the individual. Each counselor brings to the interview his/her own strengths and techniques. The topics often center on school, family and personal relationships. The counselor is an experienced, trained listener who helps the student to find a healthy and productive way to cope with a given set of circumstances.
Peer Group Counseling Program
One of the hallmarks of the Molloy guidance department is our Peer Group Program. The program was begun by Brother Leo Richard Morris in order to give students a place where they could talk and share freely. The basis of the Peer Group program is the principle that students can help fellow students in dealing with life issues. This experience has often been powerful for participants, as they have been helped by student leaders and members of the Peer Group community to open up and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings.
A guidance counselor, trained seniors leaders, and six to eight sophomores meet two times during the six-day cycle. Every sophomore participates in a peer group. Each peer group meets for one marking period.
The Peer Group program has been a vital component in assisting our students in the development of their emotional and spiritual health. It has given them the opportunity to discover more of who they are and who God has called them to be, in the context of a safe and nurturing community.
Junior Year
As in each of the previous years, the juniors are encouraged to talk about the difficulties and concerns that they see as obstacles to their personal growth and a positive self-image. One concern which begins to surface for many at this stage is their choice of college and career. Counselors begin to help students formulate a plan to determine which colleges would provide the best fit for each student. The juniors have several class sessions with the College Counselor at the beginning of the spring semester.
There are two full time counselors working with the students in junior year. One is concerned with the personal issues in the student’s life, while the other counselor is responsible for following up the academic progress of the juniors. This involves group meetings to talk about such topics as P.S.A.T. and S.A.T. results, failing grades and possible career choices.
Junior College Night
The juniors and their parents are invited to this evening presentation dealing with the college admissions process. The focus is an in-depth look at every facet of college admissions and financial aid process. This evening lays the foundation for the student to build a realistic path to their desired college/university. The juniors and their parents are also invited to the college night in the Fall.
Senior Guidance
There are two full-time senior counselors. They focus on current life issues (a continuation of affective and personal development counseling) as well as help students prepare for their life after graduation.
Senior College Night
We invite the seniors and juniors and their parents to this event. Between 75 and 80 college representatives come to Molloy. Every local college is represented as well as many colleges from upstate New York and New England.
Senior College and Career Class
All seniors meet with the college advisor for four class sessions during the first marking period. The topics that are discussed include: college admissions, SAT scores, Financial Aid, choosing a major, careers, and scholarships.
College Counseling
The Archbishop Molloy College Counseling Program is more than a guidance service for choosing a college; it is an educational program designed to assist students in identifying their aspirations for the future. We strive to help each student develop his or her academic strengths and preferences. Through a variety of presentations, group meetings with college representatives, extensive individual guidance, and parent information evenings, students are assisted in selecting appropriate colleges.
Counselor Biographies
Brother Eugene Birmingham is a Marist Brother in his second year at Molloy as a guidance/college counselor. Before he was assigned to Molloy he ministered as a teacher of Social Studies, English, Reading, Religion, Campus Minister, and Counselor in numerous Marist High Schools. Br. Eugene holds a BA in History from Marist College, an MS in Education (Administration) from Manhattan College, an MA and PD in Counseling from Manhattan College, and an MS in Literacy from Mercy College. Br. Eugene works with freshmen as a personal/academic counselor and also with juniors and seniors as a college/financial aid counselor. He can be reached via email at ebirmingham@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 119.
Brother Kevin Brogan is a Marist Brother and a member of the Archbishop Molloy Class of 1963. He has been a faculty member at Molloy for 16 years working as a Teacher, Counselor and Coach. Br. Kevin has a BA in Biology from Marist College, an MS in Biology from St. Mary’s University, an MA in Science Teaching from Antioch College, and an MA in Counseling and Professional Certification in Administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville. Currently, he is the academic counselor for sophomores and teaches two Chemistry classes. He can be reached via email at kbrogan@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 158.
Mr. Christopher X. Dougherty graduated from Molloy in 1991 and was hired in 1997 as a personal counselor, peer group counselor and S.M.I.L.E. moderator. He has a BA in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary and a MSW from Boston College. Mr. Dougherty also moderates the, Sci-Fi Club, Anime Club, I A.M. Green Environmental Club, and co-founded the St. Marcellin Society. Outside of Molloy, Mr. Dougherty is a part-time Counselor and Adjunct Lecturer in the Counseling Department of Queensborough Community College, and is an Emergency Medical Technician. Mr. Dougherty works with peer groups and as the personal counselor for sophomores. He can be reached via email at cdougherty@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 135.
Mrs. Rachel Galla has been a member of the Molloy Guidance Department since 2002. Mrs. Galla holds a BA in Social Work from Providence College and an MS in Education/Counseling from St. John’s University. She currently works with peer groups, Christian Perspective classes, and seniors as a personal & academic counselor. Mrs. Galla also moderates a S.M.I.L.E. group and will be our VHS site coordinator. She can be reached via email at rgalla@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 130.
Brother Patrick Hogan is a Marist Brother who came to Molloy is 1962 as a Biology and Religion teacher. In 1964 he became a personal counselor in the Guidance Department while still continuing to teach. Br. Pat has a BA in Biology from Marist College and an MA in Theology from Notre Dame. Br. Pat is a Molloy Track Coach, Pipes and Drums Moderator and the co-founder of the St. Marcellin Society. He is also an Emergency Medical technician. Br. Pat currently teaches Religion and is a personal counselor for sophomores. Br. Pat Hogan can be reached via email at phogan@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 147.
Mr. Kerry Hughes is the Archbishop Molloy College Advisor. He has a BS in History and Social Science from Marist College and an MS and PD in Psychology from St. John’s University. Mr. Hughes has been a member of the Molloy Guidance Department for 30 years. He is also a Drivers Education Instructor. Mr. Hughes can be reached via email at jmccabe@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 133.
Mrs. Christine Loo is now in her second year as a guidance counselor at Molloy. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, both with a BA in American History and an MSW. She is a freshmen guidance counselor, facilitates a SMILE group, and teaches Christian Perspectives. She can be reached via email at cloo@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 129.
Mr. Ted McGuinness has worked in the guidance department since fall 2003. He currently works with peer groups, Christian Perspective classes and seniors. Before coming to Molloy, he taught English at St. Agnes Boys High School and later served as an undergraduate educator at The University of Michigan in the Communications and Teacher Education departments. He has a BS from St. John's University and an MSW/MA from The University of Michigan. Mr. McGuinness graduated from Molloy in 1981. He can be reached via email at tmcguinness@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 131.
Brother James Norton is a Marist Brother who came to Molloy in 1968 as a teacher of Spanish. He has a BA in Spanish from Marist College and an MS in School Counseling from St. John’s University. In 1972 he was asked to take on some counseling responsibilities and he has been involved in this work since then. Brother James is coordinator of counseling for the juniors and the Peer Group Counseling Program. He has been Chairperson of the Counseling Department since 1991. Brother James is also the Moderator of the Varsity Swimming Program and plays the bagpipes as a member of the Molloy Pipe and Drum Band. Br. James can be reached via email at jnorton@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 132.
Brother Francis Regis is a Marist Brother who came to Molloy in 1964 where he taught American History and Algebra. Prior to working at Molloy, Br. Regis taught at Resurrection Ascension School in Rego Park. In 1969 he entered the Counseling Department as a personal counselor for freshmen. He holds a BA in Education from Marist College and an MS in Education from St. John’s University. Currently, Br. Regis works part-time with peer groups. He can be reached via email at fregis@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 134.
Brother Richard Shea is a Marist Brother who has been at Molloy for the last 27 years. He has a BA in History from Marist College and an MA in Government from Fordham University. Br. Richard has worked at Molloy as a teacher, administrator, and for the last 14 years as the Academic Counselor for juniors. Prior to coming to Molloy Br. Richard worked as a teacher and administrator at other Marist schools in the Bronx, Poughkeepsie, Manhasset, and the Philippines. He can be reached via email at rshea@molloyhs.org, or by phone at (718) 441-2100 x 151.
