Exciting changes are happening in the counseling department at Piscataway High School! As of last month, former College and Career Counselor Ms. Chilakos, has been promoted to Supervisor of Counseling.
This promotion marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ms. Chilakos’ career in education, and Ms. Chilakos shared her enthusiasm for the new role.
“I previously was in the College and Career Counselor role, which I really loved,” Chilakos said. “I really loved working with students and helping them navigate wherever they want to go after high school. But I’ve had my supervisor certification for a really long time now—probably since I took the classes back in 2013. Just in case I ever wanted to do something different or try something new.”
Having worked in education for many years, Ms. Chilakos began her career as an English teacher at PHS before becoming a school counselor. She then transitioned to the College and Career Counselor position, where she spent four years guiding students through the often-complex world of post-high school planning.
Ms. Chilakos said, “I thought I knew things before, but I really learned more about the college process, financial aid, and everything else in that role.”
The transition to Supervisor of Counseling, while exciting, also comes with its challenges.
“It’s exciting and scary,” Ms. Chilakos admitted. “I actually have a phrase tattooed on my arm that says, ‘Just Jump,’ which I try to live by. You just have to embrace the experiences given to you. But I also think that I’m very fortunate because the counseling staff, from the counselors themselves to our two counseling secretaries, and even our administrators, have been incredible. If I didn’t have that net of support, I don’t think I’d feel more excited than scared.”
In this new role, Ms. Chilakos will be responsible for overseeing all counseling staff, managing major responsibilities like scheduling, and ensuring that the counseling department continues to serve students effectively.
“As a supervisor, I’m back to talking about mental health, scheduling, and college and career planning—but now, I also have the opportunity to help other counselors be the best they can be.”
When asked about how the shift might impact her connection with students, Ms. Chilakos acknowledged that stepping away from direct counseling was one of her biggest hesitations.
“I really enjoy working with students, so I had to wrap my head around how I can still make sure I’m doing that,” Chilakos said. “But I think of myself as part of a team—both within the counseling department and within the administrative staff. When we work as a team, that’s when we have the best impact on our school community and our students.”
Looking ahead, Ms. Chilakos is focused on maintaining the school’s existing strengths while making small, meaningful improvements.
“I think we already have a strong foundation, so my goal is to fine-tune our processes—making things smoother, more effective, and more consistent across all grade levels,” Chilakos said. “It’s about working smarter, not harder.”
With her deep experience, passion for student success, and commitment to collaboration, Ms. Chilakos is set to make a lasting impact in this new leadership position!
