It was 34 years ago last fall when Michele Cucinotta began her education career as a teacher at the Cecil Collins School in Barnegat Township. But as the years went on, Cucinotta found that perhaps she needed a career change.

While she enjoyed teaching, she found that she wanted to work with youngsters on a more personal level, which had its limitations in the classroom. Cucinotta then became a school counselor, a position she has had in the district for 23 years.

But recently, her role was expanded as the board of education appointed her in a dual-title position as the new K-8…