Waterville Central School District is pleased to announce Dr. Heather Keith as the new Jr./Sr. High School school counselor. Dr. Keith is a native of Waterville and a graduate of WCSD. Dr. Keith moved to New Jersey to complete her master’s degree in professional counseling at Monmouth University. She remained in New Jersey until this fall when she returned home to Waterville.
She previously was the dean of student success at Union College, of Union County, New Jersey. Prior to that, she spent 17 years at the college serving in such roles as the assistant dean of student success; director of advising, career, and transfer; disability services coordinator; and college advisor. In addition to her roles in higher education administration, she also has been an adjunct psychology and freshman seminar faculty member since 2017 at the same institution.
Not only was she a member of the education community for many years, she also served as a crisis counselor working with the children’s mobile response unit in New Jersey. Dr. Keith earned her degree in educational leadership from Rowan University and her M.S. from Monmouth University in professional counseling; and her Bachelor of Science Degree from SUNY Utica/Rome in Psychology. She began her college studies at Mohawk Valley Community College, in Utica. Dr. Keith is a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey and has received certification reciprocity in New York State.
Dr. Keith has a passion for student success with an equity and inclusivity mindset. Coming from a small town and as a first-generation college student, Dr. Keith felt unprepared in making decisions regarding post-secondary plans. This has transferred to her professional life and created a driving passion for serving students.
“I am looking forward to rejoining the Waterville community. I believe that every student who walks through the door has a unique set of experiences, is fully capable of achieving academic success, and that it is our shared responsibility as educational professionals to support our students toward completion, graduation and beyond,” Dr. Keith said.
“I am very excited to be welcoming someone who not only has local roots but has such impressive credentials to serve as the new school counselor at Waterville Jr./Sr. High School,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Spring said. “I am confident she will inspire our students to create their best futures and support them through all aspects of their educational journey.”
Dr. Keith has recently relocated to Hamilton with her partner, Todd. She loves the outdoors, country music, NFL football (Buffalo Bills), and her three cats: Piglet, Little Foot, and Summer.