In a quiet office where student files line the shelves and conversations shape futures, a change in leadership is taking root.
After over 20 years of guiding students, coordinating support systems and championing mental health, Counseling Coordinator Darby Neff-Verre is stepping down. Taking her place is longtime Associate Dean Alexia Thomas, whose two decades at the high school have prepared her for this next chapter.
Though she was not on the hiring committee, Neff-Verre said she has full confidence in Thomas’s selection.
“She’s wise, calm and well-respected, both from colleagues as well as students,” Neff-Verre said. “She’s got a lot of understanding of the history of where Brookline has come from and will have a good vision for where to take the department.”
Thomas, who has worked at the high school for over 20 years in the guidance department and as an associate dean, officially starts her new position this summer on July 1. She said the timing of the transition feels right.
“I’ve been an associate dean for 14 years and was ready for something new,” Thomas said. “This gives me a chance to take on a new leadership role and continue supporting the school in a different way.”
Guidance counselor Sara Aggeler said Thomas is experienced and has a positive leadership style.
“She’s thoughtful, caring and a great collaborator,” Aggeler said. “She brings a calm and unifying presence to a department that’s seen a lot of change in recent years.”
While the transition is a natural next step, both Neff-Verre and Thomas said challenges still lie ahead. One of the biggest issues will be the shift in roles, from counselor to supervisor, and the additional time demands that come with administrative responsibilities.
“There’s a lot more that happens outside of school hours than people realize,” Neff-Verre said. “Figuring out how to balance that with family is going to be important.”
“I’d love to build more partnerships within the community and give students real-world exposure, especially in careers that don’t always require a traditional four-year path,” Thomas said.
Neff-Verre’s time in the role has left a lasting impact, especially with her advocacy for students’ mental health. She said she hopes that emphasis will continue under Thomas’ leadership.
“I think the counseling department needs to continue promoting mental health as much as it does post-high school planning,” Neff-Verre said. “We are the gatekeepers for student support.”
Thomas is looking forward to the future. As she steps into her new role, she said is eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities ahead.
“Getting to know this wide, diverse range of students has been awesome,” Thomas said. “That has really kind of prompted me, because I’ve done that role now for so long, for something new and different.”
