Sherry Riggi
Flemington,NJ
Summary
Highly invested in the vital work of supporting students and their families as they navigate the complexities of the college admissions process. Accomplished in leading teams and coordinating programs at Rutgers Preparatory School. I excel in creative thinking, problem solving, and active listening, as I look to enhance student wellness and college counseling outcomes. Spearheaded innovative wellness initiatives and support faculty on their self-care journey. Significantly improved college counseling processes and work to build vital connections with RPS faculty and college and university admissions representatives to support our department initiatives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Director of College Counseling
Rutgers Preparatory School
08.2000 - Current
- Design and execute a College Counseling curriculum and program based on "best college fit" model.
- Counsel and advise 30+ students per class, grades 10-12 and their families through the college process. Topics include suggestions for college list, strategy of the process and standardized testing.
- Provide academic advising to juniors and seniors.
- Expertise in working with specialized groups such as students with learning differences, first-generation students, recruited athletes and students pursuing performing and fine arts.
- Meet with students individually and teach a seminar course in junior and senior year.
- Support students in creating balanced college lists based on "best college fit".
- Teach mindfulness and implemented curriculum as a tool to support students navigating the college process.
- Demonstrate strong advocacy and compassionate listening skills for students.
- Craft in-depth recommendation letters for each senior.
- Build relationships with college admissions colleagues and visit colleges to learn about programs and opportunities.
- Partner with parents to help them identify best ways to support their child.
- Collaborate with and support faculty in writing teacher recommendations
- Mentored and trained staff members and support their professional development
- Attend and present at local and national conferences.
Assistant Director of Health and Wellness
Rutgers Preparatory School
09.2023 - Current
- Aided in creating innovative initiatives aimed at advancing students' wellness and social emotional competence.
- Identified regional and nationally recognized wellness speakers to conduct programs for students, parents, and faculty.
- Helped 60+ faculty receive Introduction training in Mindfulness. Helped 10+ faculty receive advanced training in teaching mindfulness and managing difficult emotions.
- Coordinated and executed wellness day event showcasing 20 varied workshops for faculty during professional development days
- Coordinated therapy dog visits for students and faculty.
- Created and designed "Zen Den" a tech-free space on campus for students to re-set and de-stress.
Director of Transfers and Admissions Operations
Stevens Institute of Technology
06.1997 - 08.2000
- Managed recruitment process for transfer students.
- Coordinated internal aspects of undergraduate admissions recruitment.
- Built relationships with key stakeholders such as faculty, and community leaders to strengthen support for university admissions efforts.
- Oversaw scheduling and organization of guided tours.
- Created structured communication flow for letters and emails.
- Contributed to the strategic planning committee for expanding undergraduate enrollment.
- Created and executed presentations for prospective students and families.
- Assisted in evaluating and awarding transfer credit eligibility.
Assistant Director of Admissions
Seton Hall University
04.1995 - 06.1997
- Evaluated applications using a holistic review process that considered both academic achievements and personal qualities of each applicant, ensuring a diverse incoming class each year.
- Maintained close communication with admitted students throughout the enrollment process, ensuring a smooth transition into their first year at the university.
- Worked closely with the Financial Aid Office to develop strategies for assisting applicants in securing funding for their education.
- Organized successful open house events that showcased campus facilities and programs, attracting a larger pool of potential applicants.
- Explained admissions processes, educational programs, financial assistance, and student services to prospective students.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Admissions Counselor
Iona University
06.1992 - 04.1995
- Evaluated applicant transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendation letters to determine eligibility.
- Led organizational efforts for campus recruitment events.
- Evaluated candidates through comprehensive interview processes.
- Oversaw two different territories, Northern New Jersey and Connecticut and attended college fairs and open houses.
- Expanded student recruitment efforts with targeted outreach.
- Educated students and families on college admissions and financial aid process.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ05-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI05-1991
Skills
- Program coordination
- Team leadership
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Goal setting
- Team development
- Project planning
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 3 staff members.
- Oversee Speaker-Series by identifying speakers and organizing events
- Developed programming and curriculum that highlight wellness and mindfulness tools in college counseling program.
- Member of ACCIS, NJACAC, NACAC and presented at multiple conferences on topics like social-emotional health in the college process, partnering with parents, among others.
- Play integral part in supporting Athletes through their recruitment process including developing a booklet to guide coaches, parents and students.
Timeline
Assistant Director of Health and Wellness
Rutgers Preparatory School
09.2023 - Current
Co-Director of College Counseling
Rutgers Preparatory School
08.2000 - Current
Director of Transfers and Admissions Operations
Stevens Institute of Technology
06.1997 - 08.2000
Assistant Director of Admissions
Seton Hall University
04.1995 - 06.1997
Admissions Counselor
Iona University
06.1992 - 04.1995
Master of Arts - Education
Seton Hall University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Rhode Island
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