Guidance and Counseling
St. Mary’s High School Guidance Department
The St. Mary’s Guidance Department is dedicated to providing every student with the opportunities needed to acquire the academic, spiritual, personal and career skills essential to graduating from high school and becoming productive citizens who are prepared to live as contributing and successful members of society.
There are many factors that impact a student’s academic performance and personal behavior. The Guidance Department provides students and parents access to various school and community resources. Students are encouraged to utilize guidance services individually and through the comprehensive guidance program which addresses the needs of students at each grade level. The St. Mary's Guidance Department also leads the CARE Team and assists with the following:
Standardized Testing
Post Secondary Planning
Post Secondary Planning
Career Planning
Scholarships
St. Mary's Guidance Counselors
Alex DeMatteis ’00, Guidance Counselor (N-Z)
Guidance Department
Ext: 124
E-Mail: dematteisa@stmaryshs.com
B.S. in Secondary Education –Social Studies
M.A. in School and Professional Counseling
Start Year at St. Mary’s: 2006
Extracurriculars:
Assistant Varsity Football Coach
Assistant Freshmen Basketball Coach
Personal Information:
Mr. DeMatteis attended St. Mary’s High School and graduated in 2000. After playing one year of college football, Mr. DeMatteis returned to St. Mary’s as a football coach in 2001. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Social Studies) from Harris-Stowe State University in 2005 and began attending graduate school at Lindenwood University where he earned a Master’s of Arts in School and Professional Counseling in 2009. Mr. DeMatteis came on staff in the fall of 2006 teaching social studies and religion, and began coaching freshman basketball that same year. He joined the guidance department part time in 2008 and is entering full time work in the guidance office in 2010. Mr. DeMatteis was married in November of 2009 to his wife Jenn and enjoys spending time with his family, friends and the St. Mary’s community.
Why St. Mary’s?
There is no greater sense of brotherhood and community than that you find at St. Mary’s High School. The commitment of the school community at large to serve our young men is truly a blessing unto our students and an out pouring of love and support to each and every young man who walks through the doors of this dedicated institution.
Larreta Divis, Guidance Counselor (A-M) Guidance Department Ext: 113E-Mail: divisl@stmaryhs.com
B.S. in PsychologyM.S. in Guidance & Counseling
Start Year at St. Mary’s: 2000
Personal Information:
Mrs. Divis earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.S. in Guidance & Counseling from Missouri State University. She joined St. Mary’s in the fall of 2000 as a guidance counselor. Prior to her experience as a high school counselor she worked at Missouri State University and the University of Tulsa. At the university level she worked with Student Athletes in the Academic Assistance Program. These programs focused on educational and eligibility success as well as career counseling.
Why St. Mary’s?
Because the sense of community among staff, students and parents.
Valerie Todd, Learning Consultant, Dean
Guidance
Dean of Fine Arts, Foreign Language, Practical Arts & Guidance
Ext: 111
B.S. in Education
M.A. in Educational Leadership
K-12 Special Education Certification
Lay Marianist
Start Year at St. Mary’s: 1997
Personal Information:
Mrs. Todd earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her M.A. in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University. She has been the Learning Consultant at St. Mary's High School since the fall of 1997. As Learning Consultant, Valerie supports the classroom teachers in assisting students with learning differences. Prior to her experience at St. Mary's High School, Valerie served as a self contained special education teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools. She has K-12 special education certification in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders and Educationally Mental Handicapped.
Mrs. Todd earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her M.A. in Educational Leadership from St. Louis University. She has been the Learning Consultant at St. Mary's High School since the fall of 1997. As Learning Consultant, Valerie supports the classroom teachers in assisting students with learning differences. Prior to her experience at St. Mary's High School, Valerie served as a self contained special education teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools. She has K-12 special education certification in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders and Educationally Mental Handicapped.
Why St. Mary’s?
I work at St. Mary's because it has a wonderful community atmosphere for the faculty, students and families that are a part of this community. I truly believe in the mission of the school and enjoy working to fulfill that mission.
Resumes
Students and their parents are encouraged to meet and communicate with the counselors and learning consultant as needed. The Guidance Department looks forward to working with all students and families and providing them with the highest level of professionalism and personal care.
