Carina Adra
Undergraduate Education:
Loyola Marymount University
Major: Communication Studies
Hi, I'm Carina! I am a graduate from Loyola Marymount University, with a B.A. in Communication Studies. I have always been fascinated by how language affects the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. That interest, coupled with my passion for student success, is why I decided to pursue school counseling. I see this as a unique position that allows me to use my communication background to help students socially, emotionally, and academically. I have experience as a teacher's assistant, tutor, and mentor, and I look forward to applying these experiences to the field of counseling. Throughout all of my work and school experience, one common theme is clear--I love working with students to help them reach their fullest potentials.
Loyola Marymount University
Major: Communication Studies
Hi, I'm Carina! I am a graduate from Loyola Marymount University, with a B.A. in Communication Studies. I have always been fascinated by how language affects the way we see ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. That interest, coupled with my passion for student success, is why I decided to pursue school counseling. I see this as a unique position that allows me to use my communication background to help students socially, emotionally, and academically. I have experience as a teacher's assistant, tutor, and mentor, and I look forward to applying these experiences to the field of counseling. Throughout all of my work and school experience, one common theme is clear--I love working with students to help them reach their fullest potentials.
Chau Nguyen
UC Irvine, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Specialization in Math Education
UC Irvine, Master in Teaching
UC Irvine, Single Subject Math Teaching Credential
I started my career as a math teacher 6 years ago and during my time as a teacher, my interest in becoming a school counselor developed. I saw firsthand the issues students were faced with daily and I wanted to be the bridge between students, families and teachers to help students succeed in school and in their personal lives. In my free time, I love to craft and spend time with my baby (my dog) and I guess my boyfriend too :D. I left my teaching job to pursue school counseling and to help my boyfriend build his dental practice. I will be a busy bee these next two years, but I am so excited to begin this journey!
UC Irvine, Master in Teaching
UC Irvine, Single Subject Math Teaching Credential
I started my career as a math teacher 6 years ago and during my time as a teacher, my interest in becoming a school counselor developed. I saw firsthand the issues students were faced with daily and I wanted to be the bridge between students, families and teachers to help students succeed in school and in their personal lives. In my free time, I love to craft and spend time with my baby (my dog) and I guess my boyfriend too :D. I left my teaching job to pursue school counseling and to help my boyfriend build his dental practice. I will be a busy bee these next two years, but I am so excited to begin this journey!
Emily Amsler
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. Psychology
My name is Emily Amsler and I am from Santa Ana, California. I graduated from the Orange County High School of the Arts where I was inspired by my very own School Counselor. Because of her influence on me, I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Cal State Fullerton and am looking forward to becoming a School Counselor myself! Inspired by her passion and guidance to her students, I had the opportunity to go back to my high school during college to complete an internship. There I found my calling - My role as a Student Services intern gave me the chance to help other students with not only their academic career, but also help them through all the emotional and mental struggles that come along with high school! Moments like those solidified my decision to become a school counselor. I spent the last year living and working in Massachusetts, which was quite the eye opening experience since I have been a California girl all of my life. Although it was much colder, and I mean MUCH colder... it was an experience I will never forget! Some of my favorite things to do are going hiking, traveling, going to the beach, and celebrating the best weekly holiday ever - Taco Tuesday.
Favorite quote:
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are”
- Benjamin Franklin
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. Psychology
My name is Emily Amsler and I am from Santa Ana, California. I graduated from the Orange County High School of the Arts where I was inspired by my very own School Counselor. Because of her influence on me, I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Cal State Fullerton and am looking forward to becoming a School Counselor myself! Inspired by her passion and guidance to her students, I had the opportunity to go back to my high school during college to complete an internship. There I found my calling - My role as a Student Services intern gave me the chance to help other students with not only their academic career, but also help them through all the emotional and mental struggles that come along with high school! Moments like those solidified my decision to become a school counselor. I spent the last year living and working in Massachusetts, which was quite the eye opening experience since I have been a California girl all of my life. Although it was much colder, and I mean MUCH colder... it was an experience I will never forget! Some of my favorite things to do are going hiking, traveling, going to the beach, and celebrating the best weekly holiday ever - Taco Tuesday.
Favorite quote:
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are”
- Benjamin Franklin
Munachiso Osisioma
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Los Angeles
Major: Psychology
My family and I immigrated to the United States from Nigeria when I was a teenager. It has been a great experience but I initially struggled to adjust to a new place and culture. That initial struggle is what first motivated me to work with youth. This motivation has led me to work with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. I currently coach basketball at a high school in Santa Ana and I love working with students in this age range. I want to be a school counselor so that I can partner with students to make the best of their education. I embrace the opportunity to be an advocate for students. I enjoy laughing with friends and family, reading, learning new things, traveling and exploring new places, and watching sports.
“Strong people don't put others down... They lift them up.”
― Michael P. Watson
California State University, Los Angeles
Major: Psychology
My family and I immigrated to the United States from Nigeria when I was a teenager. It has been a great experience but I initially struggled to adjust to a new place and culture. That initial struggle is what first motivated me to work with youth. This motivation has led me to work with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA. I currently coach basketball at a high school in Santa Ana and I love working with students in this age range. I want to be a school counselor so that I can partner with students to make the best of their education. I embrace the opportunity to be an advocate for students. I enjoy laughing with friends and family, reading, learning new things, traveling and exploring new places, and watching sports.
“Strong people don't put others down... They lift them up.”
― Michael P. Watson
Angie Pereida
Undergraduate Education:
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies
I was raised in Moreno Valley, CA and graduated from Valley View High School. I was very involved in the AVID program and really considered my classmates to be my AVID family. I saw what wonderful things the program accomplished and knew I wanted to be an AVID counselor when I grew up. It drove me to pursue school counseling as a profession and I am very excited to be at the first part of my professional journey.
Some of my personal interests include watching movies, reading (big fan of historical fiction and Malcolm Gladwell), and listening to the Hamilton soundtrack.
"There's a million things I haven't done, just you wait,"
-Lin Manuel Miranda
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies
I was raised in Moreno Valley, CA and graduated from Valley View High School. I was very involved in the AVID program and really considered my classmates to be my AVID family. I saw what wonderful things the program accomplished and knew I wanted to be an AVID counselor when I grew up. It drove me to pursue school counseling as a profession and I am very excited to be at the first part of my professional journey.
Some of my personal interests include watching movies, reading (big fan of historical fiction and Malcolm Gladwell), and listening to the Hamilton soundtrack.
"There's a million things I haven't done, just you wait,"
-Lin Manuel Miranda
Jessica Villegas
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. Sociology
I am 26 years old, and I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. I enjoy traveling, site seeing, going to museums, hanging out with my dogs, baking, and cooking. I currently work with students with disabilities, and I want to continue to work with students of all backgrounds. I look forward to becoming a School Counselor because I want to help see students succeed and become successful, hard working members of society once they graduate.
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. Sociology
I am 26 years old, and I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. I enjoy traveling, site seeing, going to museums, hanging out with my dogs, baking, and cooking. I currently work with students with disabilities, and I want to continue to work with students of all backgrounds. I look forward to becoming a School Counselor because I want to help see students succeed and become successful, hard working members of society once they graduate.
Jesse Quinteros
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Dominguez Hills
B.A. Human Services
Hello there! I am Jesse Quinteros and I decided to pursue a career in school counseling after discovering my passion for helping underserved students in the community of Long Beach. DAYS Long Beach, a non-profit organization, provides yearly educational programming and youth development activities in a community that faces many social, cultural and economic barriers. Thanks to this amazing program, I had the opportunity of exploring a career in an educational field by co-facilitating workshops for middle school and high school students. These workshops focused on skill trainings and topics that align with LBUSD curriculum and teaching life skills to help students become future leaders. My hobbies include: lifting weights, running along the beach, watching the Lakers, Dodgers, Lakers and hanging out with my loved ones.
California State University, Dominguez Hills
B.A. Human Services
Hello there! I am Jesse Quinteros and I decided to pursue a career in school counseling after discovering my passion for helping underserved students in the community of Long Beach. DAYS Long Beach, a non-profit organization, provides yearly educational programming and youth development activities in a community that faces many social, cultural and economic barriers. Thanks to this amazing program, I had the opportunity of exploring a career in an educational field by co-facilitating workshops for middle school and high school students. These workshops focused on skill trainings and topics that align with LBUSD curriculum and teaching life skills to help students become future leaders. My hobbies include: lifting weights, running along the beach, watching the Lakers, Dodgers, Lakers and hanging out with my loved ones.
Lisa Sharp
CSU Polytechnic, Pomona
B.S Animal Science
Claremont Graduate University
M.A Education and Single-Subject Science Credential
I have called Long Beach home since I was born. I have been a science teacher for 10 years and currently teach for LBUSD. I have two children, a daughter who is 6 yo and a son who is 3 yo. I love traveling the world, riding horses, running, and spending time with my husband and children. My career transition has been constructed from a number of positive teaching experiences, particularly my 4 years as an AVID elective teacher. My life goal is to continue work in a high school setting and help many young people become successful adults.
B.S Animal Science
Claremont Graduate University
M.A Education and Single-Subject Science Credential
I have called Long Beach home since I was born. I have been a science teacher for 10 years and currently teach for LBUSD. I have two children, a daughter who is 6 yo and a son who is 3 yo. I love traveling the world, riding horses, running, and spending time with my husband and children. My career transition has been constructed from a number of positive teaching experiences, particularly my 4 years as an AVID elective teacher. My life goal is to continue work in a high school setting and help many young people become successful adults.
Chanelle Green
University of California, Irvine
Major: Film and Media Studies
Minor: Education
Hello, my name is Chanelle and I am from Los Angeles, CA! My interest has always been film and editing until junior year of college when I volunteered at a preschool near my university with a program called Jumpstart. I loved working with kids and I wanted to find out more and give a year of service. Once I graduated, I decided to give a year of service and began working at a non profit called City Year. I worked in a high school in Boyle Heights and loved every moment. That sparked an interest in my desire to work within education but not really knowing what. Last year, I volunteered at another nonprofit called Los Angeles Education Partnership and worked in a high school as a College and Career Pathways Planner. I was able to shadow School Counselors and support them in anyway that I could. I was able to connect with students and take part in making their dreams a reality and I loved every moment of it! In the next two years, I look forward in applying my experiences to the concepts I learn in the classroom and the opportunity to learn from others in my cohort. On my down time, my self care regime is hanging out with my friends, listening to music, walking my dog, going to the movies, playing a video game, watching a movie (Harry Potter), or crotchet.
Major: Film and Media Studies
Minor: Education
Hello, my name is Chanelle and I am from Los Angeles, CA! My interest has always been film and editing until junior year of college when I volunteered at a preschool near my university with a program called Jumpstart. I loved working with kids and I wanted to find out more and give a year of service. Once I graduated, I decided to give a year of service and began working at a non profit called City Year. I worked in a high school in Boyle Heights and loved every moment. That sparked an interest in my desire to work within education but not really knowing what. Last year, I volunteered at another nonprofit called Los Angeles Education Partnership and worked in a high school as a College and Career Pathways Planner. I was able to shadow School Counselors and support them in anyway that I could. I was able to connect with students and take part in making their dreams a reality and I loved every moment of it! In the next two years, I look forward in applying my experiences to the concepts I learn in the classroom and the opportunity to learn from others in my cohort. On my down time, my self care regime is hanging out with my friends, listening to music, walking my dog, going to the movies, playing a video game, watching a movie (Harry Potter), or crotchet.
Kellie Fujimoto
Azusa Pacific University
B.A. Psychology with a minor in Sociology
Hi, my name is Kellie Fujimoto. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Sociology. I have always been passionate about working with children and adolescents, and I felt that my calling to become a school counselor was confirmed when I worked in an intervention class at a junior high school. I discovered that I loved working with students individually and in small groups, and I was most passionate about the relational aspect of the job. I want to become a school counselor because I care deeply about promoting students' mental, social, and emotional wellbeing and overall success. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, hiking, traveling, eating out, and attending sporting events. I love being with my cohort and am excited to keep learning and growing together in this program!
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
-Howard Thurman
B.A. Psychology with a minor in Sociology
Hi, my name is Kellie Fujimoto. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Sociology. I have always been passionate about working with children and adolescents, and I felt that my calling to become a school counselor was confirmed when I worked in an intervention class at a junior high school. I discovered that I loved working with students individually and in small groups, and I was most passionate about the relational aspect of the job. I want to become a school counselor because I care deeply about promoting students' mental, social, and emotional wellbeing and overall success. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, hiking, traveling, eating out, and attending sporting events. I love being with my cohort and am excited to keep learning and growing together in this program!
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go and do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
-Howard Thurman
Miriam Morales
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. Sociology
I have been a high school teacher for over 5 years. During this time, I have become increasingly aware of the struggles my students face in and outside of the classroom. Awareness of such challenges has sparked a desire to learn from other professionals and from evidence-based practices intended to support students socially, mentally, and academically. I want to be a counselor because I want to harness student’s inner potential by nurturing their intrinsic strengths and characteristics.
University of California, Santa Cruz
B.A. Sociology
I have been a high school teacher for over 5 years. During this time, I have become increasingly aware of the struggles my students face in and outside of the classroom. Awareness of such challenges has sparked a desire to learn from other professionals and from evidence-based practices intended to support students socially, mentally, and academically. I want to be a counselor because I want to harness student’s inner potential by nurturing their intrinsic strengths and characteristics.
Jeannette Ceballos
Undergrad: San Diego State University
B.S.: Business Administration- Financial Services
Minor: Spanish
My name is Jeannette Ceballos. I grew up in Orange County where I attended Mater Dei High School. After graduating from San Diego State University, I returned to Orange County to begin my career within the financial services industry. Although I enjoyed my career, I always knew I wasn’t truly passionate for my profession. Throughout my adolescence and adulthood, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Catholic Church. I knew my true passion was working with children through my volunteer experience. Finally I took a leap of faith and applied for the Cal State Long Beach program to become a school counselor. I’m looking forward to helping my students reach their goals. Outside of school I enjoy hiking, yoga, spending time with family and friends and traveling all over the world! Go Class of 2019!
B.S.: Business Administration- Financial Services
Minor: Spanish
My name is Jeannette Ceballos. I grew up in Orange County where I attended Mater Dei High School. After graduating from San Diego State University, I returned to Orange County to begin my career within the financial services industry. Although I enjoyed my career, I always knew I wasn’t truly passionate for my profession. Throughout my adolescence and adulthood, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Catholic Church. I knew my true passion was working with children through my volunteer experience. Finally I took a leap of faith and applied for the Cal State Long Beach program to become a school counselor. I’m looking forward to helping my students reach their goals. Outside of school I enjoy hiking, yoga, spending time with family and friends and traveling all over the world! Go Class of 2019!
Sandra Alvarado
Undergraduate Education:
San Diego State University
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Counseling and Social Change
San Diego State University
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Counseling and Social Change
Jessica Moreno
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Education
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Education
Katelyn Ham
Hi I’m Katelyn Ham. I was born in Simi Valley, and moved to Long Beach five years ago. I graduated from Long Beach State in 2015 with my B.A. in Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Right after I graduated I began studying for law school but after taking the LSAT I realized law just wasn’t my passion. I had always known that working with kids was something that made me happy and I was always drawn to it, but being a teacher wasn’t for me and something in that career was still missing. I looked into school counseling remembering the amazing experience I had with my own high school counselor. She was someone that provided a voice for the students when they didn’t know how, and made sure what they wanted and needed happened for them. I knew that this was the kind of impact I wanted to have on children and young adults' lives. When I’m not at school I spend my weekends serving at the Cheesecake Factory, which has been my life for the past 10 years! I am also a full time dog Mom to a Doberman named Harley. This has been one of my hardest journeys so far, but it’s a journey with an amazing ending!
"Just keep swimming!" -Dory
"Just keep swimming!" -Dory
Daezsha Williams
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Los Angeles
B.S. Statistics, Minor in Education Studies
Hey everyone! My name is Daezsha Williams and I am So Cal native. I was born and raised in San Bernardino, but moved to the Victorville area in 2010 with my mom and four younger sisters! I moved to the LA/LBC area when I attended undergrad at UCLA. You might be wondering how a statistician ended up in the school counseling profession. Well... I have always been passionate about education, especially as a first-generation college student. I had the incredible privilege of participating in my high school's AVID program. I am grateful for this experience, because I received so much information and resources regarding higher education that my parents could not provide me. During the first two years of undergrad, I envisioned myself as a data analyst or program evaluator for educational programs. However, the more I started working one-on-one with high school students (and even my own sisters who were applying to colleges), the more I realized that simply analyzing data was not the career path for me. I also realized how much more impact I could make as a school counselor, especially in underserved communities. As a future school counselor I want to work with students in these communities and help them become empowered. I look forward to applying my background in stats when implementing data-driven school counseling practices.
I am also new to LBC and am down for exploring the city with new folks! Any recommendations?
University of California, Los Angeles
B.S. Statistics, Minor in Education Studies
Hey everyone! My name is Daezsha Williams and I am So Cal native. I was born and raised in San Bernardino, but moved to the Victorville area in 2010 with my mom and four younger sisters! I moved to the LA/LBC area when I attended undergrad at UCLA. You might be wondering how a statistician ended up in the school counseling profession. Well... I have always been passionate about education, especially as a first-generation college student. I had the incredible privilege of participating in my high school's AVID program. I am grateful for this experience, because I received so much information and resources regarding higher education that my parents could not provide me. During the first two years of undergrad, I envisioned myself as a data analyst or program evaluator for educational programs. However, the more I started working one-on-one with high school students (and even my own sisters who were applying to colleges), the more I realized that simply analyzing data was not the career path for me. I also realized how much more impact I could make as a school counselor, especially in underserved communities. As a future school counselor I want to work with students in these communities and help them become empowered. I look forward to applying my background in stats when implementing data-driven school counseling practices.
I am also new to LBC and am down for exploring the city with new folks! Any recommendations?
Andres Guardado
Undergraduate Education:
Occidental College
B.A. Economics and Sociology
Hello Everyone! My name is Andres Guardado, I graduated from Occidental College in 2013 with a B.A. in Economics and Sociology. As a first-generation student, I had a skewed vision about what life after college looked liked. It wasn’t until I volunteered with AmeriCorps as a College & Career Ambassador that I truly found my passion. For two years, I worked with students on their post-secondary plans by helping them explore different career fields, college options and other paths after high school. After a very short time I fell in love with the idea of helping students plan for their future and discover what they were passionate about. While this traditional “college counseling” was fulfilling, I realized that I was not equipped to deal with the socioemotional aspect of working with students. Although my path to school counseling has been a long and winding road, I believe that we are all a sum of our experiences. Today, I am working toward becoming a school counselor in hopes of helping students unlock their potential. My experience in education has shown me how students can achieve greatness when given the tools and skills necessary to have their voices heard. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, photography, film, spending time in nature and exploring the crazy California food scene….sushi doughnut anyone?
Occidental College
B.A. Economics and Sociology
Hello Everyone! My name is Andres Guardado, I graduated from Occidental College in 2013 with a B.A. in Economics and Sociology. As a first-generation student, I had a skewed vision about what life after college looked liked. It wasn’t until I volunteered with AmeriCorps as a College & Career Ambassador that I truly found my passion. For two years, I worked with students on their post-secondary plans by helping them explore different career fields, college options and other paths after high school. After a very short time I fell in love with the idea of helping students plan for their future and discover what they were passionate about. While this traditional “college counseling” was fulfilling, I realized that I was not equipped to deal with the socioemotional aspect of working with students. Although my path to school counseling has been a long and winding road, I believe that we are all a sum of our experiences. Today, I am working toward becoming a school counselor in hopes of helping students unlock their potential. My experience in education has shown me how students can achieve greatness when given the tools and skills necessary to have their voices heard. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, photography, film, spending time in nature and exploring the crazy California food scene….sushi doughnut anyone?
Daniel Baird
Undergraduate Education:
Cal Poly Pomona,
B.A. English
Graduate Education:
University of California, Los Angeles
Masters in Education
Cal Poly Pomona,
B.A. English
Graduate Education:
University of California, Los Angeles
Masters in Education
Karla Zuniga
Undergraduate Education:
San Diego State University
Major: Child and Family Development
San Diego State University
Major: Child and Family Development
Diana Ulloa-Serrano
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Major: Child Development and Psychology
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Major: Child Development and Psychology
Mayra Gonzalez
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. Ethnic Studies, Gender and Women's Studies
My name is Mayra Gonzalez and I am deeply rooted in my identity as a first generation, queer, non-binary person from South East Los Angeles. Although I am much more than these identities, this unique intersection has really influenced my vision of the world and has helped to mold my hopes and dreams for the future. My passion for social justice began as a sophomore in high school when I was involved with Communities for A Better Environment, a non-profit organization working on Environmental Justice issues. Finding that I could actively change the injustice happening in my community as a young person completely changed my life. As an adult I find the same strength in helping to support students, of all ages, find their voice and realize their potential to transform their surroundings on whatever scale they wish to do so. I believe that a critical analysis of the current state of the world is only useful when it is equally matched by the capacity to feel joy, the skills to work through conflict, and commitment to self-reflection and accountability. When I'm not being this deep you can catch me hanging out with my dogs, playing Pokemon Go or just enjoying good food with good company.
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. Ethnic Studies, Gender and Women's Studies
My name is Mayra Gonzalez and I am deeply rooted in my identity as a first generation, queer, non-binary person from South East Los Angeles. Although I am much more than these identities, this unique intersection has really influenced my vision of the world and has helped to mold my hopes and dreams for the future. My passion for social justice began as a sophomore in high school when I was involved with Communities for A Better Environment, a non-profit organization working on Environmental Justice issues. Finding that I could actively change the injustice happening in my community as a young person completely changed my life. As an adult I find the same strength in helping to support students, of all ages, find their voice and realize their potential to transform their surroundings on whatever scale they wish to do so. I believe that a critical analysis of the current state of the world is only useful when it is equally matched by the capacity to feel joy, the skills to work through conflict, and commitment to self-reflection and accountability. When I'm not being this deep you can catch me hanging out with my dogs, playing Pokemon Go or just enjoying good food with good company.
Kaeleigh Hayakawa
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Irvine
B.A. Economics & Political Science
Hi, I'm Kaeleigh! I'm originally from San Diego, but have been living in Orange County for the past five years. I recently graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in both Economics and Political Science. My ultimate goal since high school has been to live a life where I get to do things that I love and that better the world around me. This has guided me through many potential career paths, from public policy to lobbying to nursing to counseling. What really sparked my passion for school counseling was my time spent as a peer academic advisor. I gave informational classroom presentations, reassured students who came in feeling overwhelmed, helped them plan toward graduation, and advocated for them with professional staff. I loved what I was doing and when I was looking toward graduation and graduate school, I knew that I didn't want to leave this position yet. I have found a passion for working with students and helping them to achieve their own definition of success and happiness and I plan to continue following this path as a school counselor.
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - Mulan
University of California, Irvine
B.A. Economics & Political Science
Hi, I'm Kaeleigh! I'm originally from San Diego, but have been living in Orange County for the past five years. I recently graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in both Economics and Political Science. My ultimate goal since high school has been to live a life where I get to do things that I love and that better the world around me. This has guided me through many potential career paths, from public policy to lobbying to nursing to counseling. What really sparked my passion for school counseling was my time spent as a peer academic advisor. I gave informational classroom presentations, reassured students who came in feeling overwhelmed, helped them plan toward graduation, and advocated for them with professional staff. I loved what I was doing and when I was looking toward graduation and graduate school, I knew that I didn't want to leave this position yet. I have found a passion for working with students and helping them to achieve their own definition of success and happiness and I plan to continue following this path as a school counselor.
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - Mulan
Evelyn Ramirez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. Sociology
My name is Evelyn Ramirez and I am happy to say I am a part of the 2017 School Counseling Cohort! I was born and raised in Carson, CA. Following high school, I attended Los Angeles Harbor Community College and transferred to CSULB where I studied Sociology. As a curious individual surrounded by diversity, I grew a love for traveling, art, and music. I love to experience new towns/cities and integrating myself into their culture. I am fortunate to have worked for many organizations that allowed me to serve students from different cities in the Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles, and Orange County areas. Those organizations include LBUSD, Long Beach Miller Children’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove FYOP, LACOE and LAUSD. Through my personal and work experiences, I grew a passion for advising and counseling students of all age ranges. My biggest take away from wanting to become a school counselor is giving students the opportunity to shine bright and reach far.
Favorite Quote:
"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less."
—Marie Curie
California State University, Long Beach
B.A. Sociology
My name is Evelyn Ramirez and I am happy to say I am a part of the 2017 School Counseling Cohort! I was born and raised in Carson, CA. Following high school, I attended Los Angeles Harbor Community College and transferred to CSULB where I studied Sociology. As a curious individual surrounded by diversity, I grew a love for traveling, art, and music. I love to experience new towns/cities and integrating myself into their culture. I am fortunate to have worked for many organizations that allowed me to serve students from different cities in the Los Angeles, Greater Los Angeles, and Orange County areas. Those organizations include LBUSD, Long Beach Miller Children’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove FYOP, LACOE and LAUSD. Through my personal and work experiences, I grew a passion for advising and counseling students of all age ranges. My biggest take away from wanting to become a school counselor is giving students the opportunity to shine bright and reach far.
Favorite Quote:
"Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less."
—Marie Curie
Edlín Simental
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Education
My name is Edlín Simental and I am a first-generation student from El Monte, CA. After high school, I attended Mt. San Antonio College and then transferred to UC Berkeley where I received a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Education. The field of education has always been my calling, but I did not realize that I wanted to pursue school counseling until my experiences as an AVID tutor and a College Advisor. There, I discovered my passion for college access and helping students explore their post-secondary options. My goal is to be an advocate for all students and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
My favorite leisure activities include traveling, running, outdoor adventures, and cheering on the Mexican national soccer team. My dream is to attend a World Cup someday!
University of California, Berkeley
B.A. Sociology, Minor in Education
My name is Edlín Simental and I am a first-generation student from El Monte, CA. After high school, I attended Mt. San Antonio College and then transferred to UC Berkeley where I received a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Education. The field of education has always been my calling, but I did not realize that I wanted to pursue school counseling until my experiences as an AVID tutor and a College Advisor. There, I discovered my passion for college access and helping students explore their post-secondary options. My goal is to be an advocate for all students and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
My favorite leisure activities include traveling, running, outdoor adventures, and cheering on the Mexican national soccer team. My dream is to attend a World Cup someday!
Itzel García Zermeño
Undergraduate Education:
San Diego State University
B.A. Psychology and Sociology
San Diego State University
B.A. Psychology and Sociology
Danny Lee
Undergraduate Education:
Pepperdine University
B.A. Psychology
My name is Danny Lee and I am what you call the 1.5 generation (born in South Korea, raised in US) from LA + OC County. After high school, I took the unorthodox route and took almost a 2 year break from school. I volunteered at a non-profit called YWAM in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and Honolulu, Hawaii. I was able to “get out” of the bubble I was living in as I interacted with people from over 50 countries. Then, I attended Cypress community college for 2 years before transferring to Pepperdine University for the last 2 years. Originally, I wanted to work in the hospitality industry, but after serving a local church’s high school community (that I also grew up in), I knew that I wanted to help students in any way possible for the rest of my life.
After receiving a B.A. in Psychology, I attended graduate school. I was wait-listed at CSULB and accepted to University of San Diego (USD); thus, my only choice was to go to USD. However, I knew I wanted to serve the students in LA and OC County, so thankfully I was able to transfer to CSULB as a 2nd year! In my spare time, I love playing/watching soccer and being with my two dogs. For self-care, The Office is my go-to TV Show (:
Pepperdine University
B.A. Psychology
My name is Danny Lee and I am what you call the 1.5 generation (born in South Korea, raised in US) from LA + OC County. After high school, I took the unorthodox route and took almost a 2 year break from school. I volunteered at a non-profit called YWAM in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and Honolulu, Hawaii. I was able to “get out” of the bubble I was living in as I interacted with people from over 50 countries. Then, I attended Cypress community college for 2 years before transferring to Pepperdine University for the last 2 years. Originally, I wanted to work in the hospitality industry, but after serving a local church’s high school community (that I also grew up in), I knew that I wanted to help students in any way possible for the rest of my life.
After receiving a B.A. in Psychology, I attended graduate school. I was wait-listed at CSULB and accepted to University of San Diego (USD); thus, my only choice was to go to USD. However, I knew I wanted to serve the students in LA and OC County, so thankfully I was able to transfer to CSULB as a 2nd year! In my spare time, I love playing/watching soccer and being with my two dogs. For self-care, The Office is my go-to TV Show (: