ACS is excited to welcome Mrs. Christina Ragland, who will be joining the ACS faculty this fall as our new Guidance Counselor. She holds a Master’s degree in K-12 counseling and guidance from New York University and is a New Jersey-certified school counselor.
“We are looking forward to having Mrs. Ragland bring her skills, passion, and experience as a guidance counselor to ACS to help our students develop academic plans that reflect their skills, talents, and strengths,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We also know that God will be working through Mrs. Ragland to come alongside our students from elementary school to high school to address behavioral and academic challenges.” Mrs. Ragland will also be teaching the high school “College and Careers” course.
Mrs. Ragland is a native of Jersey City, NJ. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University in 2011 with a BA in psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she was a research assistant in the RISC lab and a member of the Abbott Leadership Institute which teaches education advocacy, policy, and practices to parents, educators, community members, and students.
During her graduate studies at New York University, Mrs. Ragland worked at the Henry and Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities as a graduate assistant. She also completed a guidance internship at Landmark High School in New York City and worked with the high school counselor and college advisor. She taught workshops to junior and seniors on the college process, led a small group on self-esteem called “Brand New Me” for freshman and sophomore girls, conducted one-on-one sessions, as well as organized college trips and retreats for students. She was also nominated and received the “Youth on the Move” award for her community involvement and mentorship for youth in her community.
Upon graduation, Mrs. Ragland relocated to South Jersey and began working in the school system as a paraprofessional for students with autism. She then began working at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center as a Care Coordinator for the Case Management Department. Mrs. Ragland has taught workshops for schools and community events on such topics as self-esteem, bullying, and college preparation.
Mrs. Ragland is an active member of Lighthouse Community Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where she serves on the social media team, administration team, and is a co-leader of a small group for young adult women. She has a passion for seeing souls added to God’s Kingdom and helping individuals recognize and live out their God-given purposes.
Mrs. Ragland and her husband, Christian, are proud parents of three children, Moriah Kansas, Morgan Kaidence, and Matthew Kevin. Mrs. Ragland considers her family her biggest blessing and enjoys making new memories with them and sharing them on her Facebook mommy blog page called, “Mommy and MK.”