Guiding Stars

Get to know our College Guidance team and learn about their JBHS student goals.

Emily Mottahedeh Director of College Guidance

MS. MOTTAHEDEH graduated magna cum laude from Hunter College with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and English. She received her Master’s degree in Special Education from Long Island University via the New York City Teaching Fellows program. She spent the last ten years as a qualitative and quantitative research teacher and Co-Director of College Counseling at Millennium Brooklyn High School.

“ I am excited to be here at Yeshivah of Flatbush and I look forward to connecting with each and every student to create a culture of personalized and supportive college counseling.”

Helen Kuznicki College Guidance Office Administrator

MS. KUZNICKI has been working as a member of the College Guidance team for 16 years. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Touro College. She schedules appointments, answers questions and assists students and the members of the College Guidance team.

“ I always try to welcome all of the students with a smile. I love being a part of the Flatbush Family and I am happy to help out in any way.”

Cristine DePalo College Guidance Counselor

MS. DEPALO holds a Master’s degree in School and Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. Prior to joining YOF, she worked as a school counselor at a private high school and in several student counseling and administrative positions at both the University of Connecticut and St. Francis College.

“ Through integrative and holistic approaches, I seek to create an environment where students feel safe being their authentic selves and empowered to achieve their personal goals.”

Maria Dressler College Guidance Counselor

MS. DRESSLER holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from Lafayette College and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Marywood University. Before joining the YOF team, she worked in undergraduate admissions at both Pace University and Marywood University.

“ This is my fifth year as a member of the College Guidance team! In addition to my college counseling duties, I am the PSAT Coordinator and the AP Coordinator. I am looking forward to another great year of AP Exams and starting the college process with my juniors next semester.”

Kristen Hall College Guidance Counselor

MS. HALL graduated from the College of Charleston with a Studio Art degree before receiving her Master’s degree in Liberal Arts from Georgetown University.

“ I hope to empower students with knowledge and information to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education. I also aim to make the college application process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible!”

Jenna Lefkowitz College Guidance Counselor

MS. LEFKOWITZ grew up in a Jewish day school environment before attending Lehigh University, where she graduated with a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Public Health, followed by a Master’s degree in School Counseling & Guidance K-12 from NYU Steinhardt.

“ My goals are two-fold: My first goal is to provide helpful information and guidance for students to be able to make informed, thoughtful decisions about their college application process. Additionally, I want to support, encourage, and uplift my students – this does not have to be a very stressful process and can even be exciting and rewarding!”