Counseling

The mission of the Counseling Department at Riordan is to assist students in maximizing their personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth. 

It is the goal of the Counseling Department to support students where they are at and encourage them to challenge themselves both in and outside of the classroom. The Counseling Department is staffed with experienced counselors for each division that are committed to the success of students. Additionally, a Head of College Counseling provides support to upper division students and families through the college search and application process, and a part-time Counseling Intern works with students who need more support.

Homepage Profile

Services Offered

Personal Counseling (upon request or as needed)

  • Individual counseling to address problems of a personal or specific nature
  • Drop-in hours before school, at munch, lunch and after school
  • Parent conferences and referral resources
  • Specialized support groups as needed
  • Information for students on topics related to mental health
  • Crisis intervention counseling
  • Resources for parents with questions about adolescent development issues

Make an Appointment with a Counselor

  • Schedule a meeting with your college counselor on SCOIR. Learn how here.

 

General Academic Counseling

  • Graduation requirements
  • Additional opportunities outside the school day
  • Resources for tutoring services in the community
  • Standardized testing on National Testing Day
  • Collaboration with certified counselors to provided educational assessments when needed

College/Career Counseling

  • Research strategies for college requirements and programs
  • A-G requirements
  • College, university, and trade/technical school visits
  • Scholarships and financial aid
  • College Application workshops
  • SCOIR Online System
  • Visit our College Counseling website here

Parent Counseling Night Resources

Meet Our Counseling Team

Our counselors stay with one class of students throughout their four years at Riordan. This rotational system allows counselors to develop strong relationships with their students, helping them navigate the academic, social, and personal challenges of high school.

Melanie Aguas

Melanie Aguas

Titles: Junior Counselor
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 415-586-8200 ext. 502
David Canales

David Canales

Titles: Freshman Counselor
Email:
Scott Chiesa

Scott Chiesa

Titles: Resource & Wellness Moderator
Email:
Jackie Grealish

Jackie Grealish

Titles: Social Science Instructor, AP Testing Coordinator
Email:
Melissa Hansell

Melissa Hansell

Titles: Wellness & Support Counselor
Email:
Jerilynn Kenny

Jerilynn Kenny

Titles: Frosh Wellness Teacher
Email:
David Lin

David Lin

Class of 1999
Titles: College Counselor, Director of Boarding Program
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 415-586-8200 ext. 504
Vanessa Martinez

Vanessa Martinez

Titles: Director of Counseling, Sophomore Counselor
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 415-586-8200 ext. 224
Melissa Nagar

Melissa Nagar

Titles: Director of College Counseling, House of Pilar Provincial
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 415-586-8200 ext. 241
Vanessa Vincent

Vanessa Vincent

Titles: Senior Counselor
Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 415-586-8200 ext. 225