Dockendorf, Kristen

Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Phone Number: (201) 664-7176 Extension: 2508 My name is Kristen D’Ercole Dockendorf, but the people of the Old Tappan school district mainly know me as Mrs. Doc. I have had the privilege of working in the Old Tappan School District for the past eighteen years, and, throughout those years, Old Tappan has provided me with wonderful professional development experiences that have allowed me to learn and grow as an educator while teaching fifth, third, and second grade.


Early on in my teaching career, I developed an extreme interest in guidance counseling, and I thus decided to pursue a graduate degree in the field. I felt it was my calling to support the parents, teachers, and staff of my school.  


I fulfilled my graduate work through the College of New Rochelle, through which I learned a tremendous amount to further my studies and was able to have hands-on experiences during my practicum work. I was extremely fortunate to have been able to fulfill my practicum in the Old Tappan School district, and my practicum afforded me both direct and indirect counseling experiences. My focus was functioning as a counselor intern under the supervision of Mrs. Richardson, a supportive, knowledgeable, and experienced school counselor. During my practicum, I learned by observing, participating in, and discussing experiences with Mrs. Richardson and other school personnel, and I was also able to visit other school settings and speak with and observe the roles of their counselors. All of these experiences helped me learn more about my role as a guidance counselor and how to best serve the students, parents, teachers, and staff of a school district.


After completing all of my studies and receiving both my graduate degree and state certification, it is my great pleasure to be the guidance counselor of T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School. As a counselor, it is my responsibility to assist students, parents, and staff in navigating school. My focus will be promoting academic and personal success by working cooperatively with students, parents, teachers, staff, and the community. With the proper guidance, encouragement, inspiration, and strategies, I believe that all students can achieve their goals and truly thrive.


I look forward to embarking on this journey in my career, and I love being the guidance counselor at TBD School!