Contact Information

201-227-7791

Assistant Principal of
Student Support Services
Mr. Dan Apice
ext. 1228
dapice@cresskillnj.net

High School Counseling Staff
Ms. Rachel Cohen
ext. 1047
rcohen@cresskillnj.net

Ms. Christina Futterknecht
ext. 1029
cfutterknecht@cresskillnj.net

Mr. Michael Zelizo
ext. 1073
mzelizo@cresskillnj.net

Middle School Counselor
Ms. Lana Shtofmakher
ext. 1060
lshtofmakher@cresskillnj.net

Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)
& 504 Coordinator
Ms. Catherine White
ext. 1208
cwhite@cresskillnj.net

Administrative Assistant
Ms. Kristin O'Connell
ext. 1068
koconnell@cresskillnj.net

Meet our Counseling Staff

Mr. Dan Apice, Assistant Principal of Student Support Services
Mr. Apice holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware with a minor in Cognitive Science. His career in education began in the Cresskill school district as a job coach at our 18-21 special needs program, Community Steps for Independence (CSI). During that time, he earned his Master’s degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in School Psychology. From 2017-2021, Mr. Apice was a school psychologist at Pascack Hills High School in Montvale, NJ before returning to Cresskill in December 2021. He completed his School Leadership certification through NJEXCEL and has been an administrator at CMS/CHS since July 2022. In July 2024, Mr. Apice was named Assistant Principal of Student Support Services. Mr. Apice is a proud and passionate Cresskill High School alumnus and is a strong supporter of extracurricular endeavors. He has coached football and basketball at various high school levels.

Ms. Rachel Cohen, School Counselor
Ms. Cohen joined the Guidance Department in September 2021. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from William Paterson University in 2012 and her Masters in School Counseling from Montclair State University in 2016. Ms. Cohen oversees the Senior Internship Program which allows students to gain field experience before graduation, and she is also one of the advisors for the High School Outdoors Club. 

Ms. Christina Futterknecht, School Counselor
Ms. Futterknecht earned her Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Human Services from The University of Scranton in 2018. She then stayed at the university to earn her Master’s degree in School Counseling in 2020. Before joining Cresskill High School, Ms. Futterknecht worked for Northvale Public School. She supported students with their social, emotional, and academic needs. In addition to being a School Counselor, Ms. Futterknecht works with youth and families in the Bergen County community, focusing on mental health. Ms. Futterknecht is eager to assist the families of Cresskill High School and help students build important skills for school and beyond.

Ms. Lana Shtofmakher, School Counselor
Ms. Shtofmakher joined the Guidance Department in 2004. She attended George Washington University where she earned her BS in Biology. Ms. Shtofmakher received her MA in Clinical Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University and went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Within her time in the district she has worked as a Student Assistance Counselor at the Cresskill Junior-Senior High School as well as at Edward H. Bryan School and Merritt Memorial School. Currently, she is the School Counselor for grades 6-8. Ms. Shtofmakher is also one of the advisors for the middle school and high school Student Organization, and PACT (Peer Advisors for Cresskill Teens).

Ms. Catherine White, Student Assistance Counselor & 504 Coordinator
Mrs. White came to Cresskill in 2006 as a member of the Child Study Team. In 2008 she moved to the guidance department as a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC). In September 2013 she became the 504 Coordinator for the Middle/High School. Mrs. White received her BA in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and her Master's in Social Work from NYU. She completed her SAC certification coursework at New Jersey City University. Mrs. White is the district's anti-bullying coordinator and  one of the advisors for the middle school and high school Student Organization, as well as PACT (Peer Advisors for Cresskill Teens).

Mr. Michael Zelizo, School Counselor
Mr. Zelizo joined the Guidance Department from the Math Department in September 2013. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University in 2005 and his Master’s Degree from William Paterson University in 2011. Mr. Zelizo leads our Ambassadors program, which helps new students to CHS get acclimated to the district. In addition to his responsibilities as a Guidance Counselor, Mr. Zelizo is the HIB specialist for the high school.

Ms. Kristin O'Connell, Administrative Assistant
Ms. O'Connell is a graduate of Fordham University with a BA in English and Teacher Certification from Montclair State University.  I have had the pleasure of working for the Cresskill Public Schools at Edward H. Bryan School and Merritt Memorial School for the past twelve years.  As Guidance Department Secretary for Middle/High School, I look forward to seeing many former elementary students as well as new students as they continue to pursue their academic journey.