Mouth of the River

Counselor Kimberly Cassamas watches the seniors walk across the stage at graduation, remembering a moment she shared with each one of them. What makes her special is that she cares so deeply about every student and wants to be the positive impact in their lives.  

Oyster River High School (ORHS) counselor, Kimberly Cassamas, made a lasting impact on students and staff alike during her time working at the school. She has shaped the high school experiences of many students, leaving them grateful for the past and prepared for what’s next. After nearly two decades of service to ORHS, she has stepped down from her role, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, connection, and kindness.  

Cassamas began working as a counselor at ORHS in 2013, after previously working as a special education case manager at the school, a job which she started in 2006. One of Cassamas’ traits others constantly noticed was her passion for student advocacy. She always put her students first and fought for what was their best interest. Kim Sekera, a counselor at ORHS, who formed a strong bond working with Cassamas, said “she was a vocal student advocate. She would work tirelessly with kids no matter how hard that was.” 

Jason Baker, one of the ORHS counselors who began working with Cassamas in 2013, shared the same view, saying Cassamas was “not afraid to question decisions that weren’t in the best interest of students.”  

According to Baker, her ability to challenge decisions allowed her to create positive change within ORHS. “She’s really good at getting kids to grow.” 

Cassamas also loved spending her time at ORHS doing fun activities with her colleagues and students. “I enjoyed teacher versus students spirit days […] I will forever love the senior walk. I’m very happy that I was part of making that a tradition at Oyster River. I spent a lot of time at many proms, and I would say that was always my favorite chaperone duty. I was very honored to be able to spend so much time with students.” 

During her time at ORHS, she was always a constant person to see walking around the halls. Many students will remember how she always stopped to check in and say hello, or smile and wave as she walked past. Hadley Carlson (‘26), said “she’ll stop you in the hallway to talk to you […] she’s a really friendly person.” 

More than just a friendly face to see in the halls, Cassamas’ support was incredibly meaningful to students, whether it was socially and emotionally, academically, or anything in between. Carlson added, “she really cares about all of her students. I want to thank her for being so kind and for helping me over the years. I’m going to miss her a lot.” 

That sense of care and kindness was put into every one of her interactions with the students she worked with. No matter how a student needed help, Cassamas would be prepared.  

For students preparing for the future, Cassamas provided all of the support they needed. Maddy Cook (‘27), a cross-country and track and field athlete, said “with NCAA requirements, she helped me pick courses that we knew would align with the NCAA, in case I want to compete in college. She was super aware of that.” 

Cook also described Cassamas’ office as a special place. “When you went in there, she immediately welcomed you. It was definitely a safe space, and I felt like I could just go there anytime.” 

Cassamas’ impact on ORHS extented beyond students, to her colleagues as well. Sekera noted that Cassamas was known for her energy, forward thinking, and problem-solving. “She was really good at meeting kids where they’re at and getting them where they want to be,” Sekera said. She also added that Cassamas “was a great puzzle completer, or starter, or when you have that spot where you don’t know where it is.” 

Like Sekera, Baker also felt Cassamas’ influence. “The room changes when Ms. Cassamas is in it, and that’s a good thing.” 

Counselor Heather Machanoff first knew Cassamas as a case manager, and later as a colleague in the counseling office. Machanoff said, “there were some really difficult times. And [Cassmas] is a doer. So, in those moments, she’s the person who is like, ‘OK, this is the worst. How do we get through it? And what are the things we can do to kind of keep us moving?’” 

Although Cassamas will no longer be walking the halls of ORHS, her impact will stay for years to come. Students will remember her help for many years after they graduate, and staff will remember her support and her ideas. 

“The faculty made that place a second home for me,” Cassamas said. “There are some people that I’ve been there all 20 years with […] I will miss them all tremendously. And I’m grateful for the students and the families I was able to work with. Every year at graduation when I would see students walk across that stage, I felt like I had a moment with each of them at some point in their four years.” As students have said, it seems like Cassamas did make the space to have moments with everyone, and that’s how people will remember her.  

As for the future of ORHS counseling, Baker reflects, saying, “when somebody leaves, to have that feeling of ‘good luck replacing them,’ that’s a big compliment. We have a really big challenge ahead of us. I don’t know who the next person is. They could be amazing, and we’re going to do the best we can to bring them on board. But, it’s not going to be Ms. Cassamas,” he says. “We’re not going to be able to replace that.” 

Advice from Cassamas: 

“If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do, just write it down. Once you get it on paper, it’s usually going to make you feel a lot better and you’ll be able to create a plan. So that’s always my number one advice. When that overwhelmed feeling takes over, just write everything down.”  

“Time might not always heal, but it will make it a bit easier each day. Get through each day and you will be ready for the next.”  

“Take chances now. you don’t have to get it right in high school to succeed […] it’s just the time to explore.”  

“I just want everyone to know I wish everyone the best. I am thankful for being part of the community for so long. And I hope to see people around. Finish the year strong.” 

-Riley Duggan