New Guidance Counselor Steps In for Ms. Lewis

In an exciting new development for the students and staff, Ashleigh Norton has been given the position as a temporary guidance counselor, filling in for Victoria Lewis who is currently on maternity leave. Norton has been a guidance counselor for young people for ten years, although this is her first time working in a school. Before joining Nutley High, she worked at Plaid House, a group home that provides residential and supportive services to students with psychiatric and emotional needs. Norton earned her degree to become a school counselor in 2018 and is ready to finally put her new credentials to use.

Her decision to pursue a career in counseling was deeply personal. Norton’s younger sister had a history with mental health, which inspired her to enter the field. “I wanted to do psychology/counseling because my sister struggled with mental health; she was younger than me,” she said.

Reflecting on her own high school experience, Norton said her guidance counselor was also her basketball coach. While she admired his coaching, she felt he wasn't the best counselor. “I feel like I wanted to be a good counselor for students,” she explained.

Freshman student Alma Warshavsky met with Norton for a conference, speaking with her multiple times before giving her a stellar review: "She was super friendly and very helpful.”.

Norton, who grew up in South Jersey near Philadelphia, attended Rowan University, where she met her now husband. She says what she enjoys most about her job is the emotional aspect and building relationships with students. “There is so much outside of school that affects your grades and life in general. I want students to feel comfortable coming to me,” she said.

Meredith Gerckens, coordinator of School Counseling, shared high praise for Norton. “Mrs. Norton stood out to me based on her confidence, poise, and warmth! She has a great personality and immediately clicked with our team in a natural, authentic way,” Gerckens said. “Although she has only been with us for less than a month, she is seamlessly integrating herself into the school culture and has been a quick learner, jumping straight into junior conferences and scheduling for the first time with ease,” Gerckens added. “I think she is a great fit for Nutley High School during Mrs. Lewis' absence, and I encourage her students to stop by and meet her if they have not already!”

Despite being new to Nutley High School, Norton understands that building trust takes time. “We don’t expect you guys to meet me for five minutes and be like, ‘Oh, I trust her I’m going to tell her my whole life story’” Norton said. “I believe it’s important to have a personality where you’re just very open and genuine.”

Norton’s transition to the school has been smooth, thanks to the welcoming community. “I love it. Everyone is so helpful,” she said. 

Adding to her exciting journey, Norton is currently pregnant and due in June. She is considering whether to take time off to stay with her baby or return to work full time in September at a different school. “I definitely cannot replace Ms. Lewis . . . she's amazing. I hope I’m as good as Ms. Lewis someday,” Norton said.

With Norton’s help, Nutley High School’s school counseling office continues to be a trusted source of support helping students with both the challenges and opportunities of the school year.