Heather Driscoll
Director of College Counseling
Saint Joseph’s Catholic School (SC)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
What drew me to the world of college admissions was a natural evolution of my work with young people in a different capacity. My journey began as a licensed mental health counselor, where I served as a clinical director at a substance abuse treatment and prevention agency in South Florida. In this role, I worked closely with at-risk students, helping them navigate personal challenges and discover their strengths. It was during this time that I became deeply passionate about guiding young people in realizing their potential and helping them find their own path in life.
This passion led me to pursue a new opportunity to establish a college counseling program at an independent private school. With my background in mental health and program development, I found that I was able to bring a holistic, student-centered approach to the college admissions process. I realized how much I enjoyed helping students explore their academic and personal aspirations, as well as guiding them through the steps to achieve their goals. It’s been incredibly rewarding to combine my experience in counseling with my commitment to supporting students during one of the most transformative stages of their lives.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is assisting students in discovering their strengths, talents, skills, and passions, and helping them understand how to leverage those qualities in shaping their futures. It’s incredibly fulfilling to walk alongside them on their journey, supporting them as they explore their potential and make decisions that align with their aspirations. Being a part of their growth and seeing them gain clarity and confidence about their future is truly the most rewarding aspect of my work.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has played a significant role in my career by providing the resources, mentorship, and network necessary for my growth in the field of college admissions. When I first transitioned into this career, I knew I needed to learn as much as possible about college admissions while also building a supportive network. That led me to seek membership in both NACAC and SACAC.
Within the first couple of months of my new role, I attended SACAC’s Summer Seminar and NACAC’s Building a Dynamic College Counseling Program. These programs, along with the annual conferences, helped me achieve my goals and so much more. The connections I made during those early years have remained a key part of my professional journey — many of those individuals I met nearly 20 years ago are still part of my network today, and I continue to meet more every year.
The mentorship and collaborative environment provided by NACAC have been instrumental in my career progression and have helped me better support my students. The resource-sharing within the community is invaluable, and it continues to be a cornerstone of my professional development.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
One of the biggest challenges facing our profession today, and one I am particularly passionate about, is simplifying and streamlining the college admissions process to ensure better access and equity for all high school students. While we’ve made strides in this area, the process is still too cumbersome for many students to navigate on their own. There is a prevailing assumption that students have support to navigate this complex system, which is not true. This can be overwhelming and unfair, especially for those without the necessary resources or guidance. We must continue to find ways to make the process more accessible and supportive, so that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to pursue higher education with confidence and clarity.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with family and friends, including my four-legged fur buddies. I’m also an avid reader and love exploring new books. One of my unique hobbies is visiting the limited number of zoos that have wombats in North America. Additionally, I’m a big sports fan, especially when it comes to football, and I love watching games whenever I get the chance.
What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Collaborative. Student-centered. Solution-focused. Empathetic. Compassionate.
Published Feb. 3, 2025