School Counselors

Our counseling program is designed to address the needs of all students by helping them acquire competencies in career planning and exploration, knowledge of self/others and educational/vocational development. The school counseling program consists of various programs: individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultations, group guidance, referral assistance to other programs and services in the community, and classroom guidance.

Christine Diaz

School Counselor | Grades 9-11 | Last Names A-K

I am honored and excited to be joining the Marion L. Steele High School counseling team as a school counselor for students grades 9-11, last names A-K. Before joining Amherst, I worked as a school counselor in an alternative school setting with high risk youths, grades 2-12. I am certified in Anxiety and Stress Management; and Trauma and Crisis Management. I am looking forward to working with all students, families, and the Amherst community on social, emotional, and academic success. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Contact Mrs. Diaz

Sarah Rigda

School Counselor | Grades 9-11 | Last Names L-Z

I have been a school counselor for the past 15 years and will be entering my 13th year at Marion L. Steele High School. I enjoy working with all students on a social, emotional and academic level. I will be working with students in grades 9 – 11 with the last names starting with L – Z. In addition to my work at Amherst, I am also the program coordinator for the Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program at Cleveland State University and enjoy teaching the graduate classes for this program. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Contact Ms. Rigda

Katheline Santos

School Counselor | College and Career | Grade 12

It is with excitement that I continue my counseling journey as the 12th grade, college, and career counselor at Marion L. Steele High School. Previously, I served students as a program coordinator and success coach at Cleveland State University. My education includes a bachelor’s of arts in psychology, and a master's in education with a focus on school counseling and trauma-informed care certification. As the 12th-grade, college, and career counselor, I look forward to partnering with seniors and their families to develop their post-graduation plans. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Contact Ms. Santos

Graduation Requirements

College & Career Planning

Access Naviance

Scholarship Search

Graduation Seal Descriptions

Resources

Advanced Placement & Advanced Classes

College Credit Plus

College Credit Plus (CCP) Information Video

If your student is interested in earning college credits while in high school, please watch the following video. You will learn everything needed to register, qualify, and sign up for college classes. 2022-2023 College Credit Plus Informational Video

Additional Helpful Links

Student Agreement Form (Must be completed as part of CCP application)

Mature Content Permission Form (Must be completed as part of CCP application)

LCCC College Credit Plus Online Application

College Credit Plus Textbook Information

Students taking College Credit Plus courses will be provided books which are assigned for the course. The procedure, however, is different for students taking the courses at MLS and those taking courses at LCCC.

Students at LCCC - Students should obtain their books at the LCCC Bookstore. When the semester is completed, those students should return their LCCC Books to the LCCC Bookstore during the week of finals. Due to changes in funding, those books are the property of the Amherst Exempted Village Schools and must be returned at the end of a course. Failure to return those books will result in book fees being assessed to your student account at Amherst High School.

Students at MLS - Students taking CCP Courses at MLS will have their books provided for them in class. There is no need to travel to LCCC for purchase, all books will be provided by your instructor at MLS.

Amherst unveiled their new partnership with the College Board, SAT, and Kahn Academy. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, Amherst will provide the full suite of SAT assessments to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at no cost to parents!

In the fall during a school day, all freshmen will take the PSAT9, all sophomores will take the PSAT10, and all juniors with take the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) to establish a baseline measurement for college readiness before the spring of their junior year. In addition, all juniors will be eligible to compete for recognition and scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program and access to over $180 million in worldwide scholarship opportunities.

And with the Kahn Academy partnership, Amherst students will use their PSAT baseline scores to create an official SAT practice program that is tailored and personalized for each student. For more information about the suite of SAT assessments and Kahn Academy, please view the information below: