Student Support at HNA

Student Support at HNA



Student Support at Holy Names Academy

Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth with unique challenges. Given the cognitive, psychological, and physical development our students undergo during their time in high school, Holy Names Academy strives to provide responsive and comprehensive student support services to meet their ever-changing needs. In addition to the College Counselors who assist students with the college selection and admissions process, we have two full-time School Counselors on staff who focus on student mental health and provide holistic counseling, as well as two Academic Support Specialists who work with students in need of academic and environmental accommodations.

The School Counselors provide the following services: 

  • Mental health counseling that is holistic and solution-focused with outside referrals provided for longer-term needs.
  • Academic guidance, including support with transitioning into/out of high school, finding school-life balance, managing stress, and long-term goal setting.
  • Attendance support, including communication with students, families, and faculty-staff around pre-arranged or extended absences.
  • Personal support for students facing challenges (i.e. acclimating to high school, navigating peer relationships, dealing with unexpected stressors) that impact their school day. 
  • Classroom guidance including mental health-focused training for each grade level and support for faculty on sensitive curriculum areas.
  • Training Faculty and Staff by leading DEIJB and mental health-focused workshop, facilitating the SEED program, and providing professional development opportunities to keep staff updated on the latest culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. 
  • Emergency Response by participating in the school's Emergency Management Team, which handles crisis intervention, plans for outward messaging, and trauma support. 

The Academic Support Specialists work with students and families to provide the following services:

  • creation and facilitation of internal Accommodation Plans for students with documented learning and/or health issues.
  • academic support, including study skills, time management, and organizational strategies.
  • coordination with the College Board/ACT to assist students in the accommodations process for standardized testing.
  • transition of student Accommodation Plans to colleges/universities for graduating seniors.
  • support students with return to learning plans after a concussion

 

Starting this year, Holy Names Academy is partnering with Care Solace, an online platform that helps connect individuals and families to the mental health and substance user services they need. Learn more about Care Solace here

 

Meet Our Student Support Team

Jennifer Hawes '98

Title:

School Counselor

Department(s):

Counseling, Academic Office

Education:

BA History, New York University
M.Phil Modern European History, University of Cambridge
MEd School Counseling, Seattle University

Contact:

jhawes@holynames-sea.org

(206) 720-7814

Jennifer Hawes '98

Title:

School Counselor

Education:

BA History, New York University
M.Phil Modern European History, University of Cambridge
MEd School Counseling, Seattle University

Department(s):

Counseling,Academic Office)

Emily McKenzie '01

Title:

School Counselor

Department(s):

Counseling, Academic Office

Education:

BA Psychology, Seattle University
MA Counseling Psychology, Northwest University

Contact:

emckenzie@holynames-sea.org

(206) 720-7812

Emily McKenzie '01

Title:

School Counselor

Education:

BA Psychology, Seattle University
MA Counseling Psychology, Northwest University

Department(s):

Counseling,Academic Office)

Ruth Gavino-Lutu

Title:

Academic Support Specialist

Department(s):

Academic Office

Education:

BS Psychology, University of Washington
MA Teaching, Seattle University

Contact:

rgavino@holynames-sea.org

206-720-7800

Ruth Gavino-Lutu

Title:

Academic Support Specialist

Education:

BS Psychology, University of Washington
MA Teaching, Seattle University

Department(s):

Academic Office)

Angie Gebhart '08

Title:

Learning Specialist

Department(s):

Academic Office

Education:

BA Mathematics, Gonzaga, M.Ed, Creighton University

Contact:

agebhart@holynames-sea.org

Angie Gebhart '08

Title:

Learning Specialist

Education:

BA Mathematics, Gonzaga, M.Ed, Creighton University

Department(s):

Academic Office)



How can we help?

Request Info

Holy Names Academy Open House
October 19, 2025 from 12 - 3:00 p.m.