Guiding Students:
Our Counseling Philosophy

At The Smith School, we strive to foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard. Counselors meet with students both individually and in group settings on a weekly basis, covering essential topics for our students like executive functioning skills, reflecting on classes and grades, social-emotional development, and life skills beyond school. Our high level of individual and group support leads in turn to a safe school community in which students can build confidence, express themselves, and feel connected to others. Beyond organized counseling opportunities, our counseling team’s open-door policy so that students have easy access to emotional and academic guidance and support when they need it. Through counseling, supporting the school environment, and collaborating with families, students, and teachers, our counselors are committed to helping each student thrive both in and outside of the classroom. 

Learn more about individual, group and college counseling below!

  • At The Smith School, we provide both individual and group counseling to support the personal, academic, and emotional growth of our students. Our counseling approach is tailored to meet each student’s unique needs, recognizing that growth is not always linear and that every student’s journey is different.

    Through individual counseling, our counselors work collaboratively with students to set meaningful personal, academic, and social goals. We break these goals down into measurable steps and equip students with practical skills and strategies to help them succeed. Whether addressing stress management, self-advocacy, organization, or confidence-building, our one-on-one sessions provide a structured yet flexible space for students to navigate challenges and celebrate their progress.

    In addition to individual support, all students participate in weekly group counseling sessions. These sessions focus on social-emotional learning, life skills development, and peer connection. Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and real-world skill-building exercises, students gain valuable tools for communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Group counseling fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping students build meaningful relationships in a supportive setting.

    Throughout the year, we also enhance our counseling program by inviting guest speakers, including professionals, college representatives, and Smith School alumni, to share insights on topics such as post-secondary planning, career exploration, and personal growth.

    Our dedicated counselors bring diverse experience in the mental health field, offering a well-rounded and compassionate approach to student support. At The Smith School, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where students feel empowered to grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

  • Our college counseling program is designed to meet the unique needs of each student. We recognize that every student’s path after graduation is different, and our counselor works closely with each individual to create a personalized plan that aligns with their goals and aspirations. College counseling begins in 11th grade and continues throughout 12th grade, ensuring that students and families receive support and guidance at every step of the process. Whether a student is college-bound, pursuing a certificate program, entering the workforce, or choosing a transitional year between high school and college, our college counselor provides tailored support to ensure that every student graduates with a plan in place that is right for them.

    In addition to individual counseling, all students meet once a week during study hall for group counseling with both the college counselor and school social worker. These sessions focus on promoting social-emotional learning and life skills, helping students build connections with their peers through a variety of activities and group discussions. Throughout the year, the counselors also invite guest speakers and former Smith School graduates to discuss important topics such as the college experience, career exploration, and more.

    We know that applying to college is a family process and a family decision. To that end, we begin students’ senior year by sharing a "Roadmap to College" presentation with families that provides an in-depth overview of the college application process. This resource highlights key milestones, including application timelines, College Board testing dates, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, accommodation services, and more. Support continues throughout the year in order to empower families with the knowledge they need to confidently navigate the post-graduation journey.

    Our graduates have gone on to attend a diverse range of colleges and universities, including:

    • The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

    • The New School

    • Skidmore College

    • Pace University

    • Hunter College

    • Baruch College

    • John Jay College of Criminal Justice 

    • Hofstra University

    • Fairleigh Dickinson University

    • Sarah Lawrence College 

    • Whittier College

    • University of Richmond

    • Drexel University

    • Alfred State College

    • The University of Vermont

    With dedicated guidance, we ensure that each student finds the right fit for their academic and personal goals.

Meet the Counselors.

Jordyn Pollack

  • Jordyn Pollack, Smith School’s Social Worker, informs her work with the belief that meaningful change begins with meeting clients where they are and providing a supportive and nonjudgmental space for growth. Jordyn tailors her approach to each student, helping them build a stronger sense of self and develop the skills necessary to navigate life’s challenges.

    Using a strengths-based approach, Jordyn empowers students to gain a deeper understanding of their personal struggles and aspirations. She carefully considers all aspects of their mental and physical well-being to develop individualized goals, breaking them down into specific, measurable steps. Whether students are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, or major life transitions, she provides compassionate guidance and practical tools to support their journey.

    Jordyn is a New York State Licensed Social Worker, holding a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from West Virginia University and a Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University. She brings a strong background in mental health, trauma, education, and both individual and family counseling and is dedicated to equipping students with the emotional and practical tools they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Ari Jamnik

  • Ari Jamnik is a social worker at The Smith School, where she creates a supportive and warm environment for students to explore their thoughts and emotions. She is dedicated to providing individualized care for each student’s unique emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. She takes a collaborative approach, working closely with students, families, teachers, and interdisciplinary teams to foster the growth and well-being of each student.

    She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami. 

    Outside of her clinical work, Ari enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Lee Lang

  • Lee Lang has contributed her variety of talents to the Smith School first as Art Teacher and now as College Counselor. Lee is a New York State Licensed and Board-Certified Art Therapist, holding an M.A. in Creative Arts Therapy from Hofstra University and a B.A. in Visual Communications and Advertising Design from SCAD. With a diverse background spanning education, mental health and the therapeutic arts, Lee brings a unique and holistic approach to supporting students on their educational and post-graduation journeys.

    Lee recognizes that each student's path is different and understands that the post-graduate journey is not always linear. In addition to supporting students through daily life at Smith, Lee collaborates with students and families to develop an individualized post-graduation plan for each senior that best fits their academic, emotional, and financial needs. Her goal is to connect students with just the right resources, to support families in navigating the college admissions process, and to aid with more holistic preparations so that students feel excited to continue their academic journeys after their time at Smith.