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Daria M. Rockholz, Ph.D.
College and School Consultant |
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Daria Rockholz, Ph.D.,
founding director, brings more than 25 years of experience as a
certified teacher, college counselor, and school administrator to
Academic Connections. Formerly the Executive Director of
the Connecticut Association of Private Special Education Facilities,
and past president of the Connecticut Staff Development Council, Dr.
Rockholz has served as an executive board member of the Connecticut
Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board and the Brookfield (CT) Montessori
Community School. She is a former public school administrator and
former principal of a private, Yale-affiliated school for
adolescents. Dr. Rockholz currently serves as a member of the
Brookfield Board of Education and trustee of The Western Connecticut
Academy of International Studies Magnet School.
Dr. Rockholz earned her doctorate in
Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut; College
Counseling Certificate from The University of California at Los
Angeles; Administrative Certificate from Fairfield University, and
Master’s degree from Smith College. She holds membership in the
Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Higher
Education Consultants Association (HECA), American Association of
School Administrators (AASA), Connecticut Association for Children
and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD), and the Council of
Exceptional Children (CEC).
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Peter B. Rockholz,
M.S.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Clinical Therapist |
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Peter Rockholz
has over thirty years’ experience in the behavioral health field, as
a clinician, consultant and administrator. His success working with
adolescents and young adults has gained him a national reputation in
the field. He has developed expertise in assessing the complex
needs of young persons, enabling him to help address each
individual’s unique strengths, challenges and circumstances. His
wide range of experience with both private and public sector clients
and programs in Connecticut – along with extensive familiarity with
the juvenile and criminal justice systems – complement his knowledge
gained over three decades.
Mr. Rockholz earned a Master of Science degree in Social Work from
Columbia University in 1978. He is a licensed clinical social
worker, an approved supervisor for drug and alcohol counselor
certification, a social work field instructor and a clinical faculty
member in the Yale School of Medicine. In 2004, Mr. Rockholz was
appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell as Deputy Commissioner for the
Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services – a
position he currently holds.
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Claudia L. Gerola, MBA
Career and College
Finance Advisor |
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Over two decades of professional
experience in the corporate management and marketing
industry has uniquely positioned Claudia Gerola
to guide families and students through the complex maze of career
preparedness and college financial advisement. Ms. Gerola assists
students and their families in their search for both merit and
need-based scholarships, and mentors young adults through a holistic
interest exploration -- fostering relationships with local and
national career organizations. She also provides current information
and advice pertaining to career exploration, student internships,
job coaching, resume building and related financial supports and
opportunities.
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"I was completely overwhelmed by the college application experience
process. Academic Connections led my son through every detailed step, while
guiding my husband and me through the complex financial aid and
scholarship maze."
- Parent, Brookfield, CT
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"After a disappointing first year at a mid-sized suburban college, my
parents suggested that I work with a consultant to find a school
that would be better suited for me. Academic Connections helped me prioritize my
career interests and narrow-down my list of appropriate colleges. Their
help was awesome!"
- Stephanie, recent NYU graduate
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"My daughter struggled with academic challenges and emotional
difficulties for years. At Academic Connections'
recommendation, she was re-evaluated and has since been placed at a
very specialized school that addresses her unique social and
academic deficits. She is now learning skills to compensate for her
academic disability and to manage her medication. She will be
applying to a community college next year – something we had never
anticipated."
- Parent, New Rochelle, NY |
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