Consultants

Daria M. Rockholz, Ph.D.
Educational Consultant

Daria Rockholz, founder and lead consultant, brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator, school administrator, and college counselor to her practice. A former public school director of special education and school principal of a Yale-affiliated therapeutic program for adolescents, Dr. Rockholz has served and advocated for hundreds of families and students with special learning needs and behavioral health disorders. A recognized leader in the field of school and college placement services, she also provides consultation and training for independent schools, public school districts, and the State of Connecticut.

Dr. Rockholz holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut, a certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and advanced degrees in education from Smith College, Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University. She is a popular presenter at educational workshops and conferences, visiting nearly 100 schools, colleges, and special programs each year to stay abreast of emerging guidelines and trends, and to maintain relationships with admission counselors and key staff personnel. Daria Rockholz has significantly impacted the lives of children, adolescents and young adults seeking effective, safe, value-laden educational resources.

Outside of her consulting practice, Dr. Rockholz is an avid film enthusiast, committed to the ongoing development of local arts commissions and actively involved in community film events. During the spring season she can be found frequenting the theaters of lower Manhattan, viewing and rating movies at the Tribeca Film Festival, and volunteering her time to enhance the growth and development of the Greenwich International Film Festival.

Peter B. Rockholz, MSSW, LCSW
Behavioral Health Consultant

Peter Rockholz has provided specialized clinical assessment and advisement to adolescents and young adults with behavioral health needs for over 35 years. He works closely with our educational consultants to provide coordinated consultation to families seeking therapeutic services and placements for their secondary and college aged students. Mr. Rockholz is a nationally recognized expert in adolescent substance use disorder treatment, and has developed and operated several highly regarded model adolescent and young adult programs in Connecticut and New York.

A licensed clinical social worker with a Master of Science degree in Social Work from Columbia University, Mr. Rockholz has developed a wide range of experience with both private and public sector clients and programs that complement his clinical repertoire gained over the past three decades. His expertise and deep understanding of the struggles of young persons with behavioral and emotional challenges have profoundly and positively influenced the lives of hundreds of families.

Mr. Rockholz has held a clinical faculty appointment at the Yale School of Medicine, is a reviewer for several professional journals, and has published several articles, chapters and papers related to adolescent substance use. In 2004, he was appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell as Deputy Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services – an office he held until 2009. Peter Rockholz is frequently sought as a speaker at regional and national professional conferences, and has consulted and trained in 28 states.

Claudia L. Gerola, MBA, PMP
Career Consultant: Academia to Professional Success

Claudia Gerola is a professional career consultant who guides graduating college students through the challenging path from academia to professional life.  A Microsoft business executive with more than 20 years experience in business innovation and technology, she leads major corporate initiatives while coaching interns and mentoring employees new to the workplace.  An adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International Public Affairs, Ms. Gerola serves on management boards, is an advocate for women in the workplace, and provides pro-bono mentoring services to veterans returning to civilian life.

Under her guidance, graduating students develop a tactical plan to approach new professional opportunities and build a strategic plan for future career growth. Individual coaching sessions can begin as early as junior year in college. She also provides coaching to students pursuing graduate school opportunities. Outside of her business environment, Ms. Gerola is a sailing enthusiast and serves as an ambassador for the Bruce Museum of Arts and Sciences in Greenwich, Connecticut.