College Counseling Program
The College Counseling team is dedicated to helping the HNHS student find the college or university that is the best fit for their personal and academic goals.
The College Counseling program includes:
- Individual meetings with the student beginning Junior year
- Self-reflection assessments
- Workshops that cover test planning, college search and finding the “best fit” and application procedures
- Parent workshops on the college process and on financial aid
The College Counseling team’s goal is to reduce stress around the college application process by providing information, guidance and support to our students. This is a student-centered journey of finding the right college for HNHS girls to apply to and to, ultimately, attend.
Meet the College Counselors
Dane Copeland draws on her studies (College Counseling Certificate, UCLA; B.A., Psychology, University of Michigan; MFA creative writing from University of Montana) and incorporates experience from 17 years in educational non-profits, provides a distinct vantage point in her work as an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) in private practice and as a high school College Advisor. She loves that her role as a college counselor combines her skills as a writer, workshop facilitator, communicator, and parent to help students successfully achieve, empower, and support their individual goals as they navigate their college search and application process.
Kristen Fenn graduated with a B.A. in Social Science from UC Berkeley and earned a professional certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension. She has worked at Holy Names High School for three years. Kristen loves guiding Holy Names students through the college application process. She is a Bay Area native and lives with her family in Orinda.
Rachel Sommerville is a graduate of UC Berkeley Extension's Certificate Program in College Admissions and Career Planning. Previously, she worked as a Private Investigator. She is in her third year at Holy Names advising students on college admissions. Rachel is a published author and particularly enjoys working with students on their college essays and University of California personal insight questions.
Heidi Monacal has lived in the Bay Area for the past 16 years with her husband and three children. She graduated from Colorado College with a BA in English Literature and has a Masters in Education. She also taught English for many years. After navigating the college process with her two older children, Heidi decided to enroll in UC Berkeley Extension and received a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning. After completing her practicum at Holy Names in 2016, she joined the staff as a college advisor.