Cedar Grove High School

Meet Our Counseling Staff

Mrs. Stephanie Pontidis

School Counselor

973-239-6400 x1007

Mrs. Pontidis received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University, as well as an additional Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Seton Hall University. Mrs. Pontidis has experience in a K-12 setting working as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, school counselor, counseling supervisor, and building administrator. Mrs. Pontidis strives on a culture of continuous learning, growth, and opportunity for her students, as well as understanding the importance of supporting her students with maintaining ongoing wellness and positive mental health. Mrs. Pontidis is excited to join the Cedar Grove Public School District as a member of the School Counseling Department, and she can’t wait to support the district’s students and staff on a variety of tasks and initiatives.

Mr. James Sweeney

School Counselor

Email Mr. James Sweeney

973-239-6400 x 1008

Mr. Sweeney received his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Montclair State University and his Master in School Counseling from Creighton University . As a proud CGHS alumni, Mr. Sweeney is happy to be back in the Grove and always thinks it's a great day to be a panther!

Mrs. Donna Lafoon

Student Assistance Counselor

Email Mrs. Donna Lafoon

973-239-6400 x 1117

Mrs. Lafoon received her Master’s in Counseling from Caldwell University, and is also a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has previously helped adults, young adults, and their families who suffer from addiction and/or mental illness. Her passion has always been working with adolescents, so she left her position as a clinical therapist and pursued her certification for Student Assistance Counselor. She has an open door policy and is available to ALL students. Additionally, she is the advisor for the Peer Leaders.

Mrs. Erica Hampson

Office of School Counselling Secretary

Email Mrs. Erica Hampson

973-239-6400 x1006

Mrs. Hampson joined the Office of School Counseling in September of 2019. Prior to that she was a paraprofessional for 2 years in Cedar Grove and 7 years in another school district. She has her substitute teaching certification and has a BA in Sociology from William Paterson University. She loves working with and helping the students and enjoys it when they stop into the office. Among her main responsibilities is maintaining the students records and assisting with the Senior Scholarships.