The Regina Dominican community has hired several new members for the 2023-24 school year. Regina extends a warm welcome to Mrs. Christine Beeftink, the new guidance counselor for juniors and seniors. 

Mrs. Beeftink grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois. She stayed local and attended Loyola University where she received her undergraduate degree. She then got her master’s degree in school counseling and in speech. Both her master’s degrees were from Northeastern University, Chicago.

She wasn’t always a college counselor. After her graduation, she became an English teacher at a public school and taught for 17 years before becoming a counselor. She found her passion during her teaching years. She loved working one-on-one with students and learning about them from their writing and discussions. 

“That was where my heart was taking me,” said Beeftink.

She was delighted that she got the opportunity to work at Regina because she loves being a college counselor at a smaller private school. She can connect with her students and get to know them academically and personally to help them with their future. 

“It’s so much fun as a junior and senior counselor to foster them onto the next step,” said Beeftink. 

Outside of school, she loves spending time with her husband and son. Her husband also works in education; he is a science teacher. They were both hired at the same time and met through school. Their son is in seventh grade and attends St. Norbert’s in Northbrook, where they live.