News & Events

Sophie Maxis is a doctoral candidate in School Counseling and Guidance at the University of Florida, Gainesville. She earned a BS in Mathematics Education from Oakwood College and the M.Ed. and Ed.S. in School Counseling and Guidance from University of Florida. Prior to pursuing doctoral studies, Sophie taught secondary mathematics in and near the city of London, England. As a NSCOR-CSCORE Fellow, Sophie is examining the relationship between school counselor self-efficacy beliefs about their general practice at urban, under performing high schools and the rate of males’ high school completion. Sophie is currently affiliated with a university-school partnership, UF Alliance, which promotes the college-going culture at several urban high schools in Florida. She collaborates with the administrators, teachers, students and families at the partnering high schools to support successful transitions into college, particularly for first-generation students. Her areas of research interest include school counseling in urban settings, ninth grade transition, and college access and success for underrepresented students. Sophie can be contacted at somaxis@ufl.edu for questions or comments.

Jamie Steiner completed her doctorate of Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College in June 2011. She earned a BA in Psychology and MSEd in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University. Through the NOSCA-CSCORE Fellows Program, Jamie conducted mixed methods research on at-risk 8th graders' perception of chool climate and college aspirations. The title of Dr. Steiner's dissertation is: The Relationship between Middle School Students' College-Going Beliefs and Sense of Belonging in School. Jamie most recently worked as a school counselor for grades 6-8 at a middle school in Westchester County, NY.  Prior to that position, Jamie was a high school counselor, admissions counselor and corporate trainer. She has studied and taught in Florence, Italy. She also was an intern in human resources at JP Morgan Chase’s London headquarters. There, she assisted in the enhancement of their recruitment strategies.  Jamie recently published an article in the New York State School Counseling Journal titled, “The Importance of Caring in Schools”.  In addition, Jamie has founded a college counseling firm at www.steinereducationalconsulting.com  in which she advises high school and transfer students on the college application process. Please feel free to contact Jamie with any questions or comments at steinerconsult@gmail.com 

Barbara Ashcroft is a PhD candidate at Capella University in the Leadership in Educational Administration Program. Barbara spearheaded development of the West Virginia LINKS Student Advisement Program designed to ensure that all students, especially underserved students, receive academic, career, and personal-social development supports required to successfully transition from grade-to-grade and to post-secondary education and the world of work. As a NOSCA-CSCORE Fellow, Barbara’s dissertation research study will focus on what school leaders can do to more effectively support implementation of student advisory programs in order to ensure that all students are more adequately prepared for K12 and post-secondary success. Barbara can be contacted at bashcraft@access.k12.wv.us.