The mission of the West Allegheny School District counseling program is to equitably support all students’ career, personal/social, and academic development. By partnering with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies, we strive to foster each student’s ability to acquire and develop the necessary skills to transition to post-secondary goals and become productive members of a rapidly changing society.

Ms. Lynn Birnie

School Counselor (last names beginning L-Ri)

• Began her career at West Allegheny in 1997
• Began her career in education in 1995
• Bachelor of Art degree in Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Master of Education degree in School Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh
• Certifications: School Counseling K-12, Special Education K-12, Cooperative Education
• Post graduate work includes completing the Drug & Alcohol Counseling program through Penn State University.
• Currently enrolled in the Counselor Supervision and Education program at Waynesburg University

Mrs. Sue Kriznik

School Counselor (last names F-G & students who receive special education services Class of 2023 & 2025)

• Began her career at West Allegheny in 2009
• Began her career in education in 1990
• Bachelor of Art degree In Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Edinboro University
• Master of Science in Education degree in School Counseling from Duquesne University
• Certifications:  School Counseling K-12, Elementary and Early Childhood Education
• Post graduate work includes earning a College Admissions Counseling Certification from the University of California, Riverside

Mrs. Sophia Mooney

School Counselor (last names beginning A-E)

• Began her career at West Allegheny in 2000
• Began her career in education in 1996
• Bachelor of Science degree In Communication Media & Theater from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Master of Science in Education degree in Counseling, with a concentration in Community Counseling, from Duquesne University
• Certifications:  Secondary School Counseling

Mrs. Amanda Pegher

School Counselor (last names H-K & students who receive special education services Class of 2024 & 2026)

• Began her career at West Allegheny in 2022
• Began her career in education in 2017
• Bachelor of Science degree in Recreational Therapy from Slippery Rock University
• Master of Science in Education degree in School Counseling from Duquesne University
• Certifications: School Counseling K-12
  
  

Mr. Alan Puglia

School Counselor (last names beginning Rj-Z)

• Began his career at West Allegheny in 2023
• Began his career in education in 2012
• Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg
• Master of Education degree in School Counseling from the Duquesne University
• Certifications:  School Counseling K-12