Dwight-Englewood School recently announced an exciting update within its College Guidance Office (CGO).

Head of School Dr. Rodney V. De Jarnett explained: "Together with Upper School Principal Joseph Algrant, faculty and staff, and D-E families, I have led a series of conversations and strategic planning meetings to discuss how to make our already-outstanding college guidance program even stronger.  In response to this effort, we developed a comprehensive job description for a new position within the CGO, and initiated a national search with help from an outside firm.  As with all hirings at D-E, we carefully considered our school philosophy, current college counseling program, and our goals for how to take our CGO to an even higher level of service for our children and families."  

 

Ms. Fernandez-Rojo is currently the Director of College Counseling at Rye Country Day School in Rye, NY, where she has served for eight years.  Previously, she was Director of College Counseling for Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, CT.  She has also had experience working for Hampshire College and Smith College.  As such, Ms. Fernandez-Rojo describes herself as having worked on "both sides of the desk" in college admissions, holding a variety of administrative positions, from admissions and alumni affairs to development, as well as college guidance. 

 

Ms. Fernandez-Rojo's stated philosphy regarding college counseling is that "parents and students must always have faith in the College Counseling Office;  while we can never guarantee specific results, we certainly can guarantee that we will welcome and support students and parents throughout the process, and we will offer the best possible advice.   Clear and appropriate communication builds trust, and a good sense of humor helps to keep things in proper proportion!" 

Ms. Fernandez-Rojo has her M.A.L.S. (Masters in Liberal Studies) from Wesleyan University, and a B.A. from Hampshire College.  She has presented at conferences both regionally and nationally, for organizations including the National Association of College Admissions Counselors and the New York State Association of College Admissions Counselors.   She resides in New York City with her husband, a jazz musician. 

US Principal Algrant commented, "Ms. Fernandez – Rojo brings vast experience and a commitment to making college admissions a natural outgrowth of our academic program. Throughout the interview process she demonstrated time and again both how thoughtful she was about education and her desire for students to find success in this process. Her calm demeanor and knowledge about college admissions  further indicates to us that she is a powerful leader and will quickly become a very valuable member of our faculty."

 

Dr. De Jarnett concluded by noting the following:  "I thank our College Guidance Office for their commitment to and vision for our D-E CGO program. It is entirely because of their past work and ongoing efforts that we have been able to achieve significant work on behalf of our children and that the success of our CGO will continue."