Staff Spotlight: Joanne Cohen, School Counselor

CSB: What is your name?
JC: Joanne Cohen

 
CSB: What is your position at Cathedral?
JC: School Counselor

JC: I went to three different elementary schools. From Kindergarten through 2nd grade I went to Heathcote Elementary School in Scarsdale NY. I then moved to California and went to Dilworth Elementary School for 3rd and half of 4th grade then Audubon Elementary for half of 4th and 5th grade. I was in a great multi-age class that had 3rd -5th grade all together at Audubon. I went to Bowditch Middle School in Foster City. I think I am one of very few people I know who LOVED middle school. I give credit to my friends and my amazing drama teacher Virginia Musante for that. She just retired a few years ago, and I’m happy to say that I’m still in touch with her.

 

JC: The Outsiders. I love the movie, too!

 

JC: I dance as much as possible. I have been dancing for most of my life, and I hope to keep dancing until my body can’t move anymore. I have studied all types of dance over the years. For the last eight years I have been taking Rhythm and Motion classes at ODC. It is such an amazing community with talented teachers and wonderful people and dancing always puts a smile on my face. When I am not working or dancing, I like to spend time with my family. My family likes to play games, listen to music, and go camping. Lastly, I love the beach. It is my happy place. I do prefer the beaches outside of CA where the water is warm, but I love all beaches.

 

JC: I like most styles of music. Anything that you can dance to, of course. I love acoustic music the best. In fact, as I write this, I am listening to Acoustic Sunrise on KFOG. It is the best accompaniment to a Sunday morning!

 

JC: Um, anything chocolate, of course! I like cake but not frosting. Pie, but not the crust, and cookies, brownies, and ice cream. Admittedly have a sweet tooth! Coffee ice cream on a cone with chocolate jimmies is probably my favorite.

 

JC: This is my seventh year at Cathedral. I was intially hired to work two days a week, however, my day count kept increasing each year.

 

JC: I love the boys. I remember in my first year how impressed I was by how polite and engaging our boys are. Although we always work on things like kindness and manners in my groups, I think the boys are very sweet and respectful. I also love how there has always been a great respect for counseling at Cathedral. I have always felt as if I am a part of the community and do not have to hide because I am the “Feelings Lady” as I have been referred to. I give a lot of credit to my administrators, colleagues, and the families for this. There is little stigma about getting support, and I would like all of our boys to go out into the world knowing it is very healthy to seek help from someone in their lives.

 

Staff Spotlight is a frequent post highlighting outstanding staff members at Cathedral. Let's know who you think should be in the next spotlight at news@cathedralschool.net.