Christian Brothers Academy is pleased to welcome home a familiar face as the new Director of Guidance.

Patrick Brennan, Class of 2007, will lead CBA’s guidance and college counseling office, coming back to his Lincroft home that gave him so much as a student.

“Returning to CBA is a dream come true,” Brennan said. “To have the ability to help shape the next generation of CBA men is an incredible honor. I see my return as an opportunity to be able to give back to a school that helped shape me into the person I am today. I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to lead the guidance office and look forward to this new role.”

Brennan comes to CBA with both high school college counseling and university admissions experience. Most recently, he was a college counselor at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, Mass. At Cardinal Spellman, Brennan worked with 9th-12th graders, helping them navigate all facets of their high school career. He counseled senior students and their parents on the college search and application process.

Previously, Brennan spent seven years at Providence College in the admissions office, departing after earning the position of Associate Dean of Admissions. He worked closely with prospective students and families on the admission and financial aid application process. Brennan evaluated thousands of applications during his time at Providence, which gives him tangible examples to share with Academy men in the coming years.

“The guidance office can help every young man discover and develop the talents and gifts that God has given him by promoting self-understanding and self-acceptance,” Brennan said. “A holistic approach that focuses on college, academic and social-emotional counseling helps students grow and reach their potential. By providing support to our students, we hope to help guide students in their journey through childhood and adolescence.”

Brennan earned his bachelor’s degree at Providence, before obtaining his master’s degree in school counseling from Monmouth University. Brennan has his New Jersey School Counselor certification and is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors.

During his high school years at the Academy, Brennan was a varsity tennis player, a senior GURU, co-president of SADD, and a member of Student Council. His father, Jack Brennan, was a director of the CBA guidance office for many years.

“CBA is built on traditions, and luckily, there is a strong foundation in the Guidance Department. I hope to build on those traditions, while also creating new ones that help students reach their desired potential.”