LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michelle Catucci

Position: Director of School Counseling
School: Cheshire High School
School District: Cheshire Public Schools
City, State: Cheshire, CT

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Michelle Catucci was nominated by her colleague, Virginia DeLong.

"Michelle exemplifies every aspect of an amazing school counselor. Dedication is her middle name. I feel as though any description of her won't do her justice, but I'm going to do my best," explains DeLong.

Mrs. Catucci is one of the most caring and compassionate individuals. It comes through every day in the work she does with students and on behalf of them. No matter what she does, she always has the best interests of the students at heart. She will advocate fiercely for all of her students, knowing she may be the lone voice at times. She is often positive and upbeat, and she's always willing to pitch in and help out. Mrs. Catucci is a great listener who provides solid advice when it's needed. She goes above and beyond in all that she does, and she would help anyone in need. She's a person who makes education better.

In her spare time, she serves as the Executive Director for the CT School Counselor Association, where she serves and advocates for school counselors across the state. Her passion for the work she does as a school counselor is never-ending.

"If I could nominate her for CT School Counselor of the Year I would, but as our Executive Director, she is ineligible for this program. So, I can think of no greater honor than LifeChanger of the Year!" said DeLong.

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Comments (6)

Patty Boss Posted over a year ago

What can I say about Michelle Catucci as a Life Changer? Being the mother of this special women, I have had a chance to witness personally all the wonderful things she has accomplished in her life. Beginning as early as high school, she was recognized as someone who could identify those who were struggling and get them the help needed to get through whatever crisis they were having. When it came to apply to college, I wasn’t surprised she picked Psychology as her major. Her letters of application spoke to her dream of one day being a counselor so she could help children and adults to cope with their problems. When she was in Graduate School, she worked with children who had behavioral and emotional issues that parents couldn’t seem to resolve on their own. That’s Michelle. Always striving to make things better. When she received her degree and moved to Connecticut, I knew she would be successful. She has such passion for her job and attacks challenges with vigor. On a personal front, as I continue to age and experience medical and emotional issues, Michelle is always there to give me the support I need. Michelle has always been, and will continue to be a “life changer”.

Julie Barker Posted over a year ago

Michelle is a Life changer for her students, co workers, and friends in both small and large ways every day. Sometimes it is through an intervention, helping a struggling student get the help they need m, others it is the quick word or two of support that makes a hard day easier to manage. Michelle embodies the spirit of the Life Changer.

Jen Darcy Posted over a year ago

Michelle is a wonderful leader in the counseling department. Being a social worker That works besides her, I can attest to her willingness to collaborate with all members of a team to help guide students towards success. Michelle loves her job, is dedicated to the field of school counseling and is a supportive and dedicated leader.

Michelle Piazza Posted over a year ago

Michelle is my department chair at Cheshire High School. She is extremely knowledgeable and goes above and beyond in all that she does. I feel completely supported by Michelle and know she always has the students best interest at heart along with always looking out for our department needs. She supports us professionally and personally and has made working in the CHS School Counseling department truly feel like a family. I am so beyond grateful for Michelle. She is a wonderful leader who has made a difference in my life and in the lives of all the students and staff at CHS. She puts her heart and soul into all that she does.

Curtis Darragh IV Posted over a year ago

Michelle Catucci, is a bright shining star in our word of school counseling. I still remember the day I met Michelle as a grad student, she was leading the CT school counseling conference with such ease and poise and confidence. Now working with her on the board of director for the CT school counseling association I can positively say what a good friend and colleague she is. From not only supporting her school, and students she supports everyone on CSCA and is such an advocate at the state level. For social and emotional awareness and mental health needs Michelle exemplifies what it means to be a school counselor. Michelle has made me a better school counselor. I’m grateful to know her personally and professionally.

Lisa Kilcourse Posted over a year ago

Although I have only known Michelle personally for a few years I can say she has made me become a better school counselor. As a member of the Connecticut School Counselor Association Board I have been inspired and motivated by her dedication to school counseling as a profession and lifestyle. Her leadership has moved our association in positive ways by bringing light to mental health needs in our state and supporting the role of school counselors in every school building, k-12. I am grateful for her continued support both professionally and personally.