Staff Series: Elementary Counselor Christina Nutt

A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Christina Nutt attended Catholic and public schools as a child. In high school, she and her family again shifted direction, and she enrolled with Seton Home Study School, where today she works as an academic counselor for Grades 1-8.

Prepared for College

On graduating from high school, Christina entered Christendom College—“Seton definitely prepared me well for college,” she says—and graduated with a degree in English literature. Hoping to become an elementary school teacher, she also took Christendom’s teacher training and practicum.

As with so many others, COVID changed her plans. Though she and her classmates celebrated in-person graduation in August 2020, she spent her last semester at Christendom doing classes remotely.

During this time, she also began working for Memoria Press in their online academy.

In July of that year, Christina heard of an opening at Seton, applied, was hired, and has spent the last two years counseling students and parents by phone, email, and, most recently, chat.

Granting course approvals for students transferring from other schools is another of her assignments. Along with Seton’s Laura Fusto and Theresa O’Connor, Christina also helped rewrite and produce the new edition of Seton’s Book Report Handbook.

When asked what brought her the greatest satisfaction in her role as counselor, Christina paused a moment and then said, “I think it comes during a phone call when a student says, ‘I’ve got it. I understand!’” She smiled. “Once a student even told me, ‘Wow! I really like diagramming now.’ I never thought I’d hear that one.”

In her time away from her office, Christina enjoys hiking, particularly in the Shenandoah National Park, traveling, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

She is a parishioner at Front Royal’s St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. In college, she spent time in Italy and Ireland—“A beautiful country!”—and hopes to travel even more in the future.

She also counts reading as a favorite pastime. Among the books carried by Seton, she especially recommends the Anne of Green Gables novels, C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, and Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars.

Ready to Help

Christina has two more recommendations. She urges students not to be afraid to call Seton when they need help.

For example, if they’re writing a paper, she says, “Don’t wait till the last minute. We can brainstorm the paper together.”

She also advises parents, “If your child struggles with reading or math, let us know when you call. We’re on the same side and want what’s best for your child.”

Whether by phone or in a face-to-face meeting, Christina Nutt is a bright, enthusiastic young woman ready to assist her students in whatever way she can.