Guidance

Meet Your Counselors

KAREN BIRON
Hi! I have been a middle school counselor at Valley Stream North High for over 9 years, currently working with grades 7, 8 and 9. I spent 10 years as a manager of a career consulting firm in Manhattan and the following 11 years at home raising my children.

In preparation for my career change to education, I worked for one year as a teaching assistant in a special education class at V.S. South High so that I could have a well rounded perspective of the role of a counselor from the teacher’s point of view, as well as the students’ and parents’. Aside from my regular duties, I have run several divorce support groups for students and serve as a building representative for our anti-bullying program, BRAVE.

I am excited to announce that I am a newly published author of a children’s book, called Anger’s Way Out. The story depicts what happens inside a teenager, when the anger associated with her parents’ divorce is suppressed, and why it is important to express all feelings in a healthy way.

I received my BA from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1974 and my Masters degree in Counseling from Hofstra University in 1979, graduating with honors from both programs.

I really love working with the younger students because I believe that there is where we can make the biggest difference. Due to the pressures of today’s society, many young people find themselves in increasing states of conflict and stress. They are often faced with choices and decisions well beyond their years. Helping students sort out their values and priorities and being a supportive role model are, in my opinion, the most important aspect of a junior high counselor’s job.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me anytime at (516) 564-5527.

JOSH BRODSKY
Hi, my name is Josh Brodsky and I am a senior high school counselor working with ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students at Valley Stream North High School. I have been working at North since September 2000 after graduating from Hofstra University in May 2000, with a Masters in Education, specializing in School Counseling. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Binghamton University in May 1997.

On a personal note, I am truly looking forward to helping each of my students choose their college and career and lead them on a journey to a bright and prosperous future

If you need to reach me for any concern or question please feel free to cal me at (516) 564-5525.

ELIZABETH BROWN
Hi my name is Elizabeth Brown and I am the newest member to Valley Stream Central High School District's Guidance staff since 2004. I work with students in grades nine through twelve and the alternative special education students at North High School. In addition, I coach multiple sports at North and strive to be a positive role model for our students, often taking part in endurance events to help fundraise and increase awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I have truly enjoyed my time at Northand look forward to many more.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology while double major in Criminal Justice, from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus in May of 1999. Shortly after completing my Bachelor's degree I began my Master's in Education, specializing as a School Counselor at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus. I completed this degree in May of 2001.

As your son/daughter's guidance counselor I am here to support and guide your child through their academic and personal growth here at Valley Stream North High School. My goal is to help each student reach his/her full potential both as a student and as an individual. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 564-5529.

JILL GOLDSTEIN
I was originally a high school mathematics teacher in New York City. For 6 1/2 years I worked in the South Bronx and East New York, Brooklyn. I was then a replacement teacher at the Bronx High School of Science where I taught pre-Calculus. I began working at Valley Stream South High School as a mathematics teacher in 1985. During the years that followed I worked as both a mathematics teacher and guidance counselor in all four buildings in the Valley Stream Central High School District but now call North High School my home.

I hold three degrees; my B.A. from Queens College is in Mathematics, I have a M.S. in School Counseling from Long Island University and a Professional Diploma in School Administration from C.W. Post.

I am married and the mother of three children. I am a Marine Mom whose son proudly served in Fallujah, Iraq and is currently a policeman for the NYPD; my second a son graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a double degree, the first one in accounting from the Wharton School and the second in Asian and Middle Eastern studies from the School of Arts and Sciences and is now studying law at NYU; and my daughter in the 12th grade.

I take pride in being a senior high school counselor and enjoy the successes my students achieve, especially when it comes to college acceptances, scholarships or personal achievement. I encourage both students and parents to call me whenever they have any concerns or questions. My phone number is (516) 564-5526.

MARIA GRACE PARITI
Hi, I am a junior high school guidance counselor at Valley Stream North High School. I have been a member of the guidance staff since 1999.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Italian at Hofstra University, College of Arts and Sciences, graduating Cum Laude. I continued my education at Hofstra University, School of Education, where I earned my Master of Science Degree, with Distinction, with a specialization in Counselor Education.

As a school counselor, I actively listen to students and guide them to find their own answers to adolescent dilemmas. I assist each student to develop academically, socially and vocationally. In assisting students as individuals, I try to go beyond the walls of the guidance suite and school building and interact with all members of the school staff, with district families, and the community at large. My ultimate goal as a school counselor is to empower students to be interested learners and independent thinkers.

The quote by Lon Watters, “School is a building that has four walls-with tomorrow inside”, truly expresses how I think about my work with our students. We all possess a common goal, which is to guide today’s youth, as they become tomorrow’s leaders.

My telephone number is (516) 564-5524.