Jon Na
Senior Associate Director of College Counseling
Episcopal Academy (PA)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
In many ways, college counseling found me. After stepping away from my role as a youth director and pastor — where I worked closely with teens and families — and spending several years as a stay-at-home dad with my youngest son, I was seeking a new direction. Seven years ago, Karen Mason, the director of college counseling at Germantown Academy, encouraged me to apply for an open position. It turned out to be a well-timed opportunity to leverage my transferable skills and build meaningful relationships by guiding students and families through the challenging college search and application process. While I was sad to leave Germantown Academy, I’m excited to take on the role of senior associate director at Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, starting this month where I join a wonderful team of counselors. What continues to motivate me is the chance to empower young people and build their confidence as they navigate this pivotal time of self-discovery and growth.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I’m continually inspired by the power of stories. The journalistic aspect of my work is what I enjoy most, having the privilege to listen to and learn from students who trust me with their personal journeys. I also value the opportunity to share my own experiences as a first-generation, low-income Asian American college student from an immigrant family. Helping students articulate their unique stories in the college application process is both a challenge and a joy, and I’m honored to support them in finding and expressing their authentic voices.
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
Attending my first NACAC national conference in Baltimore in 2023 was a truly inspiring experience — being surrounded by over 6,500 college admission and counseling professionals from around the world really brought “The Power of Us” to life. NACAC’s Guiding the Way to Impact (GWI) conference has also been instrumental in my professional and personal growth, offering invaluable networking and relationship-building opportunities. My first GWI conference in Philadelphia in 2022 significantly expanded my connections, and with the encouragement of my friend and colleague Suzi Nam, I served as a small group leader at the 2024 conference in New Orleans. This past July, I was honored to serve on the GWI Faculty for the Atlanta conference, collaborating with passionate professionals dedicated to supporting students, families, and one another — especially during these challenging times.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
The greatest challenge we face today is the ongoing and rapid policy changes from the current administration that threaten education funding, perpetuate misinformation and false narratives about immigrant communities, and dismantle essential diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and opportunities. Upholding democracy, justice, and the inherent dignity of every individual — especially in all our differences — is critical for our country’s continued progress. We are all better when we all have equitable access to education and the opportunities it provides.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I treasure spending time with my three sons — whether we’re eating good food together, listening to the latest rap or pop albums, catching the newest Marvel movie, or hunting for Pokémon and sports cards. When I’m not tuning into podcasts like The Daily Show, Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast, or Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!, I enjoy staying active by running competitive races. As a proud Philadelphian, I’m also an avid fan of all things Philly sports!
What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Purposeful, empathetic, persistent, generous, and a connector. Ultimately, I strive to use my strengths to help others realize their fullest potential.
Published Aug. 18. 2025