Huntington Highlights: Counselor Daniela Spillane at the Service of Huntington Students

Daniela Spillane is in her office early at Huntington High School, where she works as a school counselor. She likes to be available to parents and students before classes begin to field questions and get to work on any pressing issues.

Bilingual in Spanish, Mrs. Spillane came to work in Huntington UFSD three years ago. She obtained a BA degree in psychology at Adelphi University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2019. She earned a graduate degree in school counseling at CUNY Queens College in May 2022.

The Huntington faculty member attended H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square. “I was attending Adelphi University as a psychology major, where I took elective courses related to counseling,” Mrs. Spillane said. “It wasn’t until I spoke with my family and friends who were in the school counseling and education field that I decided to pursue this career.”

While studying for her master’s degree and state certification, Mrs. Spillane completed internships at Pathways to Graduation in Jamaica and at Carey High School. She earlier worked as a one-on-one aide in the Carey High School PALS program from March-June 2022 and at New Hyde Park High School for several summers. She also coached junior high school girls’ lacrosse in 2021.

At Huntington High School, Mrs. Spillane has become an essential member of the guidance department. “Mrs. Spillane’s unwavering compassion and dedication to her students truly set her apart,” said Director of School Counseling & Testing, K-12 Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea, Jr. “She meets every student where they are and helps them see what’s possible when someone believes in them.”

Outside of school hours, Mrs. Spillane enjoys spending time with her family and friends and her new puppy, Doug. She can be seen daily moving through hallways, visiting teachers in classrooms and meeting with students in her office.

“My experience has been very rewarding and gratifying as I have been able to work with my students and have a positive effect to their high school experience and futures,” Mrs. Spillane said. “The Huntington High School community has given me the opportunity to live out my dream job and I am grateful to be a Blue Devil!”