WESTWOOD—Caitlin Fabrocini, known affectionately by students as “Ms. Fab,” has been named the 2025 Bergen County “Counselor of the County” by the New Jersey School Counselor Association. She was recognized alongside top counselors from across the state during an awards luncheon held March 20 in Ewing.
Fabrocini is a school counselor at Westwood Regional Middle School, where she supports students in grades 6–8 through what she describes as “some of the most transformative years” in their lives. She was nominated by the Bergen County School Counselors Association, whose leadership praised her work not only in the building but across the profession.
“Caitlin maintains such positivity and always has something helpful or enlightening to offer,” the association said in its nomination. “She works tirelessly, not only in support of her students, but also in advancing her knowledge of the field and supporting others.”
Fabrocini helps lead the BCSCA’s K–8 cohort, organizing meetings, locating venues, planning professional development, and coordinating communications.
“I have relied so heavily on the network of these amazing professionals to keep me informed of best practices,” she said. “And by being a part of the association, I have been able to take on a leadership role that really fuels my love for the profession.”
She added, “Connection and collaboration give me a sense of purpose. Growing up, my parents instilled a value of service and leadership. I was told that one thing I could always give, no matter how little I had, was my time and my attention.”
Fabrocini said “I believe this award shows that my students, families, district staff, and administration value the work of school counselors. We are lucky to have counseling staff in every building, a Director of School Counseling and Student Wellness, and families that are encouraging of our programming. I always feel supported in my role.”
Superintendent Patrick McQueeney called the honor “very well deserved,” describing Fabrocini as “student-focused and very communicative with her colleagues and families. That communication is key to the positive growth of our students as scholars and as people.”
Kelly Riedel, director of counseling and wellness for the Westwood Regional School District, said Fabrocini’s influence runs deep. “Caitlin builds lasting relationships, fosters trust, and provides stability during these formative years,” she said. “Her impact extends beyond our school.”
That impact includes more than a decade of volunteer work with Comfort Zone Camp, a nonprofit bereavement program for children who have lost a parent, sibling, or other close loved one. Fabrocini serves as a Healing Circle leader and chairs the NJ/NY Engagement Committee, helping to recruit campers and volunteers. She also fundraises for the camp by running marathons—most recently completing her third New York City Marathon, on her birthday.
“The camp experience allows me to work with children of all ages, and from various communities across New Jersey, New York, and even beyond,” she said. “This larger viewpoint helps me to take in an array of perspectives on challenging life experiences.”
In a 2022 interview with Pascack Press, Fabrocini said she never would have run a marathon if not for the cause. She raised $5,000 in her first NYC Marathon and described the experience as “remarkable for humanity.” She continues to run in memory of lost loved ones and in honor of the campers she supports.
At camp and at school, she said, the goal is the same: to create space for kids to process their emotions and feel safe doing so.
“I’ve come to learn from camp that kids grieve in short bursts—they need space to still be kids,” she said. “That helps me in school, when a student is struggling, to remember they also need space to be who they are.”
She believes emotional literacy should start at home. “I don’t think ‘coping skills’ is a term kids should only hear at school or in a therapist’s office,” she said. “The more we use words, labels, and examples, the better vocabulary our kids will have when it is time for them to express that something is going on.”
She encourages parents to model openness. “Talk! Talk out loud. Process your own emotions and decision-making out loud. When we are open and honest about our own struggles, we model for them that it happens to everyone—and we can choose healthy ways to navigate it.”
Fabrocini said she was surprised—and a little embarrassed—when she learned she’d been selected for the award.
“I didn’t know if my family would believe me,” she said, noting her 2023 honors as BCSCA K–8 Counselor of the Year and Educational Specialist of the Year through the Bergen County recognition program.
“At the NJSCA award lunch I was able to hear my director share some of the things that were submitted by students, coworkers, and parents. That part of the day was especially meaningful to me.”
Asked what brings her the most joy in her work, she didn’t hesitate: “Spring! It’s when I get to celebrate my students’ progress and successes. I find joy in being part of those moments with them.”