Lafayetta L. Hood
Woodhaven
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive expertise in college admissions processes, student counseling, and academic planning. Proven ability to leverage strong communication and problem-solving skills to foster student success while aligning with institutional goals. Committed to cultivating robust relationships with stakeholders, promoting collaborative teamwork, and driving results-oriented initiatives that enhance the educational experience. Passionate about empowering students to navigate academic journeys effectively and achieve aspirations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Graduation and Post-Secondary Success
East Harlem Scholars Academy
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive strategy to support students’ graduation and transition into college and career opportunities.
- Led a team of school counselors and post-secondary staff; provided coaching, professional development, and accountability for high-impact outcomes.
- Increased college application submission rate to 90%.
- Planned and executed the school’s first Annual College Fair with 100+ students.
- Developed the College Seminar curriculum; instructed five daily sections.
- Introduced and trained staff/students on SCOIR and SLATE for application management.
- Designed and managed data tracking systems to monitor graduation milestones, college applications, financial aid, matriculation, and student retention.
- Collaborated with school leadership, teachers, and student support staff to create intervention plans for at-risk students to boost graduation rates.
- Conducted all vocational assessments for students with IEPs.
- Served as PSAT/SAT Coordinator.
- Established and maintained partnerships with colleges, universities, employers, and community organizations to expand post-secondary opportunities.
- Designed and delivered programming for college and career readiness: college visits, financial aid workshops, and pre-college experiences.
- Created family engagement strategies to inform and involve parents/guardians in the college planning process.
- Built a “college-going” culture beginning in early high school, targeting goals such as 90%+ graduation rate and high rates of college acceptance/matriculation.
- Served as a thought partner on the school network leadership team, contributing to the vision and execution of high school success strategy.
Director of College Counseling and Alumni Support
Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School
03.2022 - 07.2025
- Collaborated with school and network leadership to set the direction, goals, and metrics of the Office of College Counseling.
- Prepared and presented data reports as requested to School Leadership, Board of Trustees, and Cristo Rey Network Leadership.
- Led and managed the daily operations of the College Counseling and Alumni Support Team.
- Managed a caseload (30-45 students) of Juniors and Seniors each academic year, which included guiding students’ college list development and ensuring completion of college, scholarship, and financial aid applications.
- Crafted thoughtful and personalized letters of recommendation for each student on the caseload and ensured college counseling staff did the same for all students.
- Oversaw the curriculum development and delivery of the senior college readiness seminar.
- Conducted essay writing workshops and provided support to students as they completed personal and supplemental essays.
- Established, strengthened, and maintained university partnerships.
- Scheduled and coordinated Fall and Spring College Rep Visits, college trips for all grade levels, Instant Decision Days, and the annual college fair.
- Coordinated with an external SAT preparation company to schedule and deliver eight weeks of test prep for all Juniors.
- Oversaw the execution of the SAT administration, serving as the test coordinator and SSD coordinator.
- Conducted data analysis of PSAT and SAT performance schoolwide and collaborated with school leadership and faculty to improve testing outcomes.
- Provided presentations to Junior and Senior families regarding precollege opportunities, as well as the college search and admissions process.
- Coordinated annual FAFSA Filing Night and financial aid awareness workshops for families.
- Oversaw the Alumni Support Program, which includes event coordination, alumni check-ins, academic and financial aid support, and database management.
- Served as the point of contact for interdepartmental communications regarding the college counseling program.
- Represented the Office of College Counseling at admissions and advancement events throughout the academic year, engaging with prospective families, students, and donors.
- Led strategic planning efforts for the Office of College Counseling and ensured the alignment of these efforts with the larger educational objectives of the school and the Cristo Rey Network.
- Engaged in the school community beyond the Office of College Counselor to foster familiarity and trust with students and develop meaningful relationships with students and families.
- Managed the delivery of grant and scholarship program funds.
- Effectively utilize technology (Naviance, SCOIR, Slate, Gradforce, and PowerSchool) to maximize college counseling efficiency.
- Managed the budget of the Office of College Counseling.
- Served on the Leadership Advisory Team and Senior Grade-Level Team.
- Served on Cristo Rey Network Mission Effectiveness Review Team.
- Served on Cristo Rey Network Annual College Summit Planning Committee.
- Presented at Cristo Rey Network Professional Development Conferences.
- Award: Cristo Rey Network 2024 Excellence in College Counseling Award
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
Molloy College
09.2018 - 03.2022
- Developed and implemented strategies to grow the graduate inquiry pool.
- Ensured coordination of recruitment and admission activities between the Office of Admissions and the college’s graduate academic departments.
- Ensured the constant flow of graduate application review by monitoring the status of applicant files and maintaining constant communication with faculty reviewers.
- Managed prospective student inquiries.
- Advised potential students on admission requirements, policies, and procedures.
- Assisted with developing and implementing communication campaigns for prospects, applicants, and admitted students.
- Planned special events and arranged strategic recruitment travel.
- Assisted in the implementation of admissions CRM. Oversee graduate admissions implementation.
- Additional Roles
- Assistant Coordinator Molloy Violence Prevention Ambassador Program
- Lead Facilitator Racial Justice Leadership Program
- Appointed Member Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force
- Representative Coordinated Community Response Team
- Representative Campus & Community Life Committee
Senior Admissions Counselor
Molloy College
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Responsible for all International Student Admissions and new employee training, in addition to previous responsibilities as Admissions Counselor.
Admissions Counselor
Molloy College
02.2015 - 06.2017
- Represented Molloy College both on and off campus to prospective students, parents, secondary school counselors, and other individuals involved in the college selection process.
- Planned and implemented recruitment activities for assigned high schools and territories, including travel to distant sites in the states of New Jersey and Connecticut.
- Provided one-on-one counseling to prospective applicants on the admissions process and opportunities at the college.
- Read, interpreted, and evaluated students' academic credentials and made admission decisions.
- Assisted with scholarship appropriation.
- Assisted in the development and delivery of on-campus events and programs (Open House, Accepted Students Day, Guidance Counselor Breakfast, STEM Conference, etc.…), designed to recruit targeted prospective applicants to Molloy College.
- Conducted initial orientation/registration appointments with new students each academic year.
- Advised and counseled students for course selections for Fall, Spring, and summer semesters.
- Schedule and proctor entrance exams for Molloy College Nursing Department.
- Liaison Roles
- CSTEP Admissions Liaison & Advisory Board Member (01/17-2/20)
- Molloy-LECOM Partnership Liaison (07/17-09/19)
- Graduate Admissions Liaison (12/16-08/18)
- Allied Health Sciences Admissions Liaison (07/17-08/18)
Education
Doctor of Education - Higher Education Administration
Northeastern University
Boston, MA04.2021
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY05.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Communication/Education
University At Albany
Albany, New York, NY12-2011
Skills
- Long-term strategic planning
- Project management
- Team leadership
- Student advocacy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Data-driven decision making
Affiliations
- Nassau Counselors’ Association (NCA)
- Western Suffolk Counselors’ Associations (WSCA)
- New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC)
Timeline
Director of Graduation and Post-Secondary Success
East Harlem Scholars Academy
07.2025 - Current
Director of College Counseling and Alumni Support
Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School
03.2022 - 07.2025
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
Molloy College
09.2018 - 03.2022
Senior Admissions Counselor
Molloy College
07.2017 - 08.2018
Admissions Counselor
Molloy College
02.2015 - 06.2017
Doctor of Education - Higher Education Administration
Northeastern University
Master of Arts - Higher Education Administration
Stony Brook University
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Communication/Education
University At Albany