by:  Brooke Donovan

WHS adjustment counselor Mrs. Parteleno grew up always wanting to be a counselor. From a very young age she grew up with a complicated family. At the time counselors were very uncommon; therefore, she took things into her own hands. She would try to make her family and herself happy by doing whatever she could.

Now as a counselor for 35 years, she enjoys the strength she sees in students–no matter the challenges they are going through. She is touched by all the students she meets with and is inspired through their strength. However her job is not always easy and her heart feels heavy because of the struggles that some many young people go through.

Before coming to the high school, Mrs. Parteleno worked at Gibbons Middle School, Boston Public Schools, as well as a hospital. Although she enjoyed her job at Gibbons Middle School, Mrs. Parteleno likes how good  high schoolers are at expressing themselves  and that young people at the age are focusing on their talents and dreams.  She comments, “You guys are starting to take life more seriously.”

Outside of school, Mrs. Parteleno likes playing Apples to Apples with her family.  She also enjoys being involved in plays and most recently was the grandmother in The Nutcracker. She loves laughing with friends, doing yoga, going for nature walks, feeding birds and kayaking. Mrs. Parteleno’s favorite place to travel is Rangeley, Maine and dreams of one day traveling to Italy.