The Team
Debra Cumpstone, Counseling Secretary
Alan Fortin, School Counselor last names A-L
Chloe Mulberry, School Counselor last names M-Z
Rachel Verinis, School Social Worker
Emma VanSteenbergen, School Psychologist
Alan Fortin
School Counselor (A-L)
Alan Fortin is a certified school counselor. He joined the HKMS counseling department in 2006. Previously, he was an outreach worker at Bristol Central High School. Alan obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Fitchburg State University in the year 2001, and his Master of Science degree in School Counseling from the College of New Rochelle. As a former collegiate hockey player, Alan enjoys playing all sports, particularly ice hockey and golf. Alan resides in Southington with his wife, two daughters, and his dogs Chopper and Izzy.
Chloe Mulberry
School Counselor (M-Z)
Chloe Mulberry is a certified school counselor. Chloe obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and minor in Psychology from Roger Williams University in 2021 and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology with a School Counseling emphasis from the University of Connecticut in 2023. She also obtained the credential of National Certified Counselor. Chloe is a former competitive and college dance team member who loves to go to the gym and go on walks in her free time. She currently resides in Marlborough.
Rachel Verinis
School Social Worker
I was raised in Carbondale, Illinois, and later moved to Colorado, where I earned my degree in Secondary Education and English Literature from the University of Colorado. I also hold a Master’s in Social Work with a school social work focus from Southern Illinois University, as well as a Principal License from Colorado Mesa University.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of educational roles—including high school teacher and elementary teacher; as well as, special educator, school social worker, and school administrator at both the elementary and middle school levels—in Colorado, Mexico, China, and Thailand. Most recently, our family spent 5.5 years living and working in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
I’m the proud mom of two energetic boys and three rescue street dogs from Mexico. We chose to settle in Higganum for its outstanding school district and beautiful rural setting—and we couldn't be happier with our choice! I'm passionate about supporting students’ social and emotional well-being, fostering academic growth, and helping each student become the best version of themselves.
Emma VanSteenbergen
School Psychologist
My name is Miss Emma and I am the new School Psychologist here at HKMS! I received my Bachelors degree at Southern Connecticut State University, as well as my Masters degree and Sixth Year Certificate in School Psychology. I have worked in various districts across the state, and have experience with children from the age of two years old, up to middle school.
Within the past year, I have rescued two puppies named Drax and Lylla, who are named after characters from one of my favorite Marvel movies. When I’m not playing or travelling with my dogs, I love to cook, bake, and do a variety of DIY projects and crafts. I recently purchased my first home in Killingworth, and am very excited to work in the district that I now live in!
