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Gianna Manzo, '26

Gianna Manzo portrait

How far along in the program are you and what is your work experience?

 I am halfway through the school counseling graduate program and plan to graduate in May 2026. I teach seventh grade English Language Arts at Abington Heights Middle School, and I am the director of theater productions at Mid Valley Secondary Center.

What drew you to the U¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥'s program?

The U¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is widely recognized for its excellence across various areas of study. In the School Counseling program, I work with school counselors daily who have obtained their master's degrees from the U¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, and I recognize their knowledge and passion for helping students achieve the highest levels of success.

I wanted to become equipped with the same knowledge and further grow my passion for overall student achievement. After analyzing the components of several school counseling programs, I understood the significance of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s program being a comprehensive, CACREP-accredited, 60-credit program that fosters the development of nationally certified counselors, extending beyond the parameters of school counseling.

What are your favorite aspects of the program? 

My favorite aspects of the School Counseling program are the insightful, encouraging professors, the collaborative, friendly students, and the up-to-date resources, textbooks, and case studies, which promote the understanding of counseling as an ever-changing field.

How has the program prepared you for your future profession so far?

The program has prepared me for my future counseling profession by providing opportunities to learn how to effectively counsel all clients through their own, unique situations. This program emphasizes the significance of diversity and inclusion, shaping counselors’ mindsets to value thoroughly the backgrounds and identities of all clients.

The program also teaches a wide variety of intervention strategies for clients to ultimately establish independence. Specific to adolescents, I am confident in my abilities to assist students through the school counseling program’s focal points: social/emotional development, college and career readiness, and academic achievement.

What would you like a prospective student to know about this program?

Completing the School Counseling graduate degree at the U¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is profoundly rewarding. The rigorous curriculum allows for students to flourish and reach their fullest potential. In this program, excellence is the standard. I consider it an honor to learn among some of the best in the profession.

Favorite moment or memory from the program so far?

My favorite memory from the program so far is when I had the opportunity to lead a substance-abuse group counseling session with my peers acting as the clients. Given specific roles from our professor, my peers presented situations that may arise within a group counseling session, and I had the opportunity to counsel 11 clients with different backgrounds, needs, and perspectives simultaneously. I acknowledge the incredible value of group counseling and see myself incorporating several group-session opportunities for my clients.

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