“I felt as if I had died and gone to heaven,” guidance counselor Lisa Kellert said of her first day at Saratoga High.

Kellert replaced previous guidance counselor Christy Cali, who retired last year. She is excited about joining the guidance department and looks forward to creating lasting relationships with all of her students.

“It is a privilege to work with teenagers, especially the unique and amazing individuals on this campus, and to know them beyond the four walls of a classroom,” Kellert said.

Kellert is already familiar with the South Bay community, which eases her transition to Saratoga High. She served as a counselor at Wilcox High School last year and was an English teacher at Prospect High School for four years prior to that.

“It is a community here and you can really feel it,” she said. “That’s what makes me excited to come to work every day and meet the students.”

As a counselor to freshmen, sophomore and juniors, Kellert aspires to stay open-minded, flexible and candid while talking with her students.

“Counseling is not ‘one-size-fits-all’ so it is important to be an excellent listener who can provide honest and individualized feedback for each student,” Kellert said.

She strongly believes that students should enjoy their high school experience in addition to working hard and hopes to convey this message to her students.

“Have fun in high school by taking advantage of every opportunity to make the most of these four short years and to always be true to yourself,” Kellert said.

As the Link Crew co-director, Kellert has already started contributing to the school, demonstrating her versatility.

“It was great getting to know some students before school started,” Kellert said. “I am new to the school as well, so I feel like one of the freshman.”

According to assistant principal Brian Safine, Kellert was an ideal candidate to fill Cali’s shoes.

“She has experience working with the high achieving students as well as struggling students,” Safine said.

Kellert welcomes anybody to her office and hopes that students will approach her if they ever have any problems.

“It is fascinating to make a connection and hopefully a difference in the life of a student, even if it is only one,” Kellert said. “It is rewarding and fulfilling to know I have helped a student during his or her high school experience whether it be academic or personal.”