By JESSIE LU
Jericho High School guidance counselor Ms. Grebstein has been working with children since she was a young student herself, as both a camp counselor and a babysitter. These experiences are what ultimately led Ms. Grebstein to becoming a guidance counselor.
Ms. Grebstein received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University majoring in both Psychology and Health: Science, Society and Policy. Right after earning her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Grebstein worked as a child victim advocate at the Safe Center Long Island. As a child victim advocate, she had the opportunity to work with children in need, including sexual abuse victims.
Once she discovered her true passion for working with children, Ms. Grebstein attended CUNY Hunter College for her master’s degree in science education and school counseling.
Ms. Grebstein’s decision to work in a school was further solidified after interning in the field of school counseling and subsequently working in some New York City public schools. She said, “I felt like I could continue to work as an advocate for children in school.”
Before coming to Jericho, Ms. Grebstein worked for 7 years at the Baruch College Campus High School as a guidance counselor. Since she wanted to stay close to her family on Long Island, she decided to join the Jericho School District at the end of last year. Despite her love for her lifestyle in New York City, Ms. Grebstein decided to move closer to home.
Ms. Grebstein hopes that more of her students will reach out to her if they need help and guidance. She said, “I’ve loved getting to know so many of the students, and I look forward to learning more about all of them over the next months or years.”
Ms. Grebstein appreciates the way Jericho students strive for academic excellence, and she advises all her students to talk with their counselors for encouragement and support. Ms. Grebstein said, “I am here for you all, and I would love to get to know all of you through both the celebrations and the challenges of these unprecedented times. So reach out, and please don’t be a stranger.”
Ms. Grebstein played soccer and lacrosse in high school and joined her school’s lacrosse team in college. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and friends, traveling around the world and eating at different restaurants. She has traveled to several countries such as Iceland and Japan, and she definitely misses the ability to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.