Carolyn A. Sirinides

Carolyn A. Sirinides, M.A. 

Carolyn Sirinides is a counselor at heart, but has had a variety of experiences, both professionally and personally, that creates a well-rounded, multifaceted person.

Carolyn has a true competitive nature, having attended Southern Illinois University on an athletic scholarship in Track and Field. At SIU, she captured the state record in women's 400 meter hurdles, and the following year, having transferred to Rutgers University in her home state, repeated the victory and set the NJ women's collegiate 400 meter hurdle record. Soon after graduating from Rutgers University with a degree in Health and Physical Education, Carolyn relocated to Philadelphia. In the North Philadelphia area Carolyn was a part of a local faith-based outreach organization that provided supportive community groups, food bank services and counseling.

Going on for a Masters in Pastoral Counseling at LaSalle University, with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy Carolyn joined a group counseling center and worked with couples, families and individuals. After a few years she joined Philadelphia Biblical University's faculty as an adjunct professor, working with a team of full time faculty members to develop the start of their excellent graduate program. Carolyn also created a Women's Mentoring Project, providing group and individual professional coaching for women completing their graduate degrees.  

With a growing family, Carolyn wanted to spend more time at home in the evenings and weekends so she returned to school and attended Villanova University to complete a state certification in Secondary School Counseling.

While finishing the certification, Carolyn was invited to work at a newly created charter high school back in Philadelphia. She started in 2001 as a part time counselor. In 6 years of dedicated work Carolyn developed a guidance program that included 4 full time counselors to serve a population of 950 students while also overseeing the special education, nurses and school psychologist as Director of Pupil Services. During this time her team presented their programs at state conferences of professional orgaizations: PACAC and PA School Counseling Association. Through her teaching at a graduate level and a number of professional speaking opportunites, Carolyn is a comfortable, engaging and confident public speaker.

In 2007 Carolyn needed to attend to the critical medical needs of 2 family members, and utilized the Family Medical Leave Act. As the fall of 2007 approached, Carolyn gained a desire to support families dealing with cancer and volunteered her time at Fox Chase Cancer Center; a most rewarding experience. In the winter of 2008, having the opportunity to return to school counseling, she took a long term sub position at a local suburban high school.

Carolyn's heart is in counseling. Helping others find their life path, and supporting families and students is Carolyn's great joy.