Welcome to the TAPA Guidance Department!  TAPA prepares all students for postsecondary success.  We believe it is our responsibility to do everything we can to remove barriers to low-cost, low-debt higher education for all students. For detailed information on what TAPA's college access work and advocacy, explore these resources: 
All TAPA students acquire professional behavior and skills necessary to succeed in college and the workplace, including:
  • Practice in self-advocacy - being present at parent-teacher conferences, teacher/guidance meetings, writing requests for help, etc.
  • Regularly checking and responding to email professionally
  • Setting appointments with the guidance counselor to discuss any issue (including social, schedule change, or other minor issues) via email
  • Using Google Calendar to set appointments
  • Accountability in terms of keeping appointments
  • Actively reflecting on ways to improve in school 
  • Regularly meeting with individuals from local organizations or other schools - i.e. giving tours or visiting other institutions
  • Discussing conflict with peers and teachers in a healthy manner (guided by Social Worker, Guidance Counselor, Dean of Students, and teachers)

In the Upper School, students in grades 9-12 participate in a rigorous college preparation curriculum that involves in-depth presentations and activities on various college topics, including:
  • Resumes & Career Exploration​
  • Grade Point Average
  • Transcripts
  • PSAT and SAT preparation
  • Regular visits from College Admissions representatives 
  • Partnership with local college access organizations, including College Visions and the College Planning Center
  • Opportunities to participate in Dual Enrollment (college classes taken while still in high school), AP Classes, and the Advanced Course Network!
  • The College Application process (guided and personalized)
  • The Financial Aid application process (guided and personalized)
  • Budgeting and Finance
 Picture








​
Picture
​

TAPA Guidance Team

Eliza Bryant, School Guidance Counselor (bilingual)
[email protected]
Ms. Bryant (she/her) advocates for paths to affordable, supportive, low or no-debt college access for first-generation college students. In 2019, she was honored as Rhode Island's School Counselor of the Year. Eliza returned to her home state after running an academic support program in the Boston Public Schools, where she received her certification in School Counseling at UMass Boston. She has supported students as a counselor in Providence, Newport, and Central Falls, as well as the URI First Star summer program for youth in foster care. At TAPA, Eliza she loves working with every student and family to create meaningful plans for higher education, careers, and happy, safe lives. This includes one-one-one support with the college application process, financial aid, and college completion. She is honored to work with the incredible TAPA students who have received acceptances from 100 different colleges, including full-ride scholarships to Stanford University, Smith College, Boston University, Amherst College, Emerson College, Swarthmore College, and New York University. 

Porsha Funches, Alumni Coordinator (and Adjunct Music Artist in Residence)
[email protected]​
Porsha holds a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. in Human Resource Management from Johnson & Wales University. She is the daughter of Tony Funches, who is the former lead singer of  “Herb Reed & The Platters.” She has been traveling and performing for over 20 years in places such as Las Vegas, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and many more. Porsha has a burning passion for teaching and working with the youth who are passionate about the world of music.

“I believe that children are the future. Teach them well and let them lead the way; Show them all the beauties they possess inside” – Whitney Houston

She also is our Alumni Coordinator here at TAPA providing the space and time for all of our alumni to reconnect and offering any helpful services they may require.