Meet the Staff

Cara Hanig joined the College Counseling staff in 2010 and became the Director in July 2019. As Director, Cara is responsible for all facets of the College Counseling office, including counseling students and parents in the college search process, working with faculty, staff, administration, and forming and maintaining relationships with college admission offices across the country and around the world. Cara completed her Master's in School Counseling at Boston College, and worked in both undergraduate and graduate admissions at Boston College. Prior to coming to Boston, she was an Assitant Dean of Admission at Colgate University, where she read applications, participated in committee decisions, and recruited at high schools across the country. Cara attended Emory University for her undergraduate education, majoring in psychology and music.

Liz Paushter is in her third year as a part-time Assistant Director of College Counseling. In her nine years at Dana Hall, Liz has taught English, provided instructional support to teachers as the Upper School Education Technologist, and spearheaded Dana’s 1:1 iPad program. Prior to Dana Hall, she taught at the University of Vermont, Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, and in the New York City public school system. She has presented about teaching and learning at numerous conferences, including NCTE and NAIS, worked as a technology integration consultant with EdTech and other independent schools, and contributed to multiple publications as a freelance writer. Liz graduated from Syracuse University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Vermont.

Courtney Leahy joined the College Counseling team in July of 2019 as the Associate Director. Prior to Dana Hall, Courtney worked in undergraduate admission for 14 years, most recently at neighboring Babson College. She brings extensive knowledge of the college admission process, including expertise in evaluating first-year applications, recruiting across the U.S. and internationally, working directly with NCAA athletic recruits and undergraduate enrollment marketing and communications. Courtney graduated from Fairfield University as a first-generation college student majoring in Communication and Sociology.