If you were to walk into Classroom 124 at the Lynch School on a Monday evening, you’d find a circle of desks with students engaged in role-playing and problem-solving. At first glance, it might be difficult to single out the professor, who is deep in discussion with the students: Sugeily Santos, an instructor and practicum supervisor at the Lynch School.
Santos is one of the outstanding mentors in the M.A. in School Counseling program. As Full Practicum Lab Instructor, she oversees students throughout their practicum experiences, providing guidance and opportunities for reflection. In addition to her role at the Lynch School, she works full-time as a school counselor at Curley K-8 Lower School in Jamaica Plain. In 2024, Santos was named Boston Public Schools School Counselor of the Year, and in 2025, she was named Massachusetts School Counselor of the Year.
Through her unique approach to instruction, Santos creates an environment where students feel empowered to share their experiences. “She's extremely respectful in terms of how she interacts with us; she treats us like there's no hierarchy in the classroom,” shared Casey Santoriello, ’26 (School Counseling). shared when asked about Santos’ role in the program.
Over the course of a student's time in the program, she provides the coaching and encouragement necessary to build their confidence in counseling. While she does not claim credit for her student’s individual growth, she shares that it is a privilege to witness transformations throughout their study.
“You have insight into [student's] minds and how they're feeling. Seeing them reflect on those feelings, and then turn [those reflections] into something tangible at their sites—I feel honored and privileged to be part of the experience.”
—Sugeily Santos
Full Practicum Lab Instructor
In her work with students, Santos continuously seeks ways to celebrate growth and build relationships that extend beyond the walls of the classroom. Her teaching has fostered community amongst future counselors at the Lynch School, where mutual support and mentorship drive professional development.
Weekly throughout the academic year, Santos meets with a handful of students like Santoriello for practicum supervision check-ins. “She has been a massive support and partner for us in this experience,” shares Santoriello.
In those weekly meetings, students discuss the situations they are facing on-site in their practicum placements. These sessions allow them to learn from one another under the guidance of an experienced professional.
Looking beyond textbook knowledge, Santoriello finds that the real-world experience of his instructors is what truly brings the curriculum to life. “I have been really grateful that a lot of our professors have been either current or past school counselors themselves,” Santoriello explained.
Alongside Santos, Program Director Julie MacEvoy and Associate Program Director Maria Theodorakakis ensure that students are supported throughout their academic journeys. Their leadership emphasizes the importance of cultivating a space for students to be led every step of the way by a community of mentors.
This connection between instructors and students is what sets the school counseling program apart. “I work with other universities, but I have gravitated to BC,” Santos said. “I just remember seeing the professors and staff members just really invested in their students, and I wanted to be part of that.”
“I'm always amazed at BC’s ability to call back alumni from the program. The people who are instructing us were also in our shoes at one point, so there's that added level of understanding and something to look forward to in the future,” Santoriello noted.
Thanks to Santos and her peers, counselors like Santoriello will enter the field as part of a community, carrying with them the guidance and support needed to make a lasting impact in schools.
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