Analia Cabral
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Creative Photography and History
Hello, my name is Analia Cabral and I was born and raised in Pomona, California and Jerez, Zacatecas. I am a first-generation college graduate. I am proud of my Mexican/Wixaritari roots and view life in a spiritual, cultural, and social justice lens. I want to be a school counselor because I want to do as much as I can to provide students with an equitable chance to pursue their dreams, especially their post-secondary plans. I believe students have the tools to be successful and I want to be a facilitator in their journey to find themselves and their educational goals. When I am not counseling students, you can find me listening to true crime podcasts, completing 1000-piece puzzles, and critiquing movies. Mexica Tiahui! GO BEACH!
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Creative Photography and History
Hello, my name is Analia Cabral and I was born and raised in Pomona, California and Jerez, Zacatecas. I am a first-generation college graduate. I am proud of my Mexican/Wixaritari roots and view life in a spiritual, cultural, and social justice lens. I want to be a school counselor because I want to do as much as I can to provide students with an equitable chance to pursue their dreams, especially their post-secondary plans. I believe students have the tools to be successful and I want to be a facilitator in their journey to find themselves and their educational goals. When I am not counseling students, you can find me listening to true crime podcasts, completing 1000-piece puzzles, and critiquing movies. Mexica Tiahui! GO BEACH!
Ruby Ramirez
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, San Diego
Major: Psychology
Minor: Law and Society
Hello I'm Ruby Ramirez. I was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. During my undergrad journey, I was fortunate enough to work with first generation and low-income students through EAOP and TRIO. This work was truly empowering and further motivated me to continue working in K -12 education. After undergrad, I completed two years of volunteer service with AmeriCorps in South Los Angeles working with high school and middle school students to promote college and career readiness. The past two years, I been collaborating with high school students, families, teachers, administration, and counselors to foster a college and career culture and increase family engagement. My experiences ultimately inspired me to purse a master's in school counseling to further advance my professional development and skill set. My self-care activities are hiking, bonfires, road trips, and spending as much time with my family.
"They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds." - Dinos Christianopoulos'
University of California, San Diego
Major: Psychology
Minor: Law and Society
Hello I'm Ruby Ramirez. I was born and raised in East Los Angeles, CA. During my undergrad journey, I was fortunate enough to work with first generation and low-income students through EAOP and TRIO. This work was truly empowering and further motivated me to continue working in K -12 education. After undergrad, I completed two years of volunteer service with AmeriCorps in South Los Angeles working with high school and middle school students to promote college and career readiness. The past two years, I been collaborating with high school students, families, teachers, administration, and counselors to foster a college and career culture and increase family engagement. My experiences ultimately inspired me to purse a master's in school counseling to further advance my professional development and skill set. My self-care activities are hiking, bonfires, road trips, and spending as much time with my family.
"They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds." - Dinos Christianopoulos'
Rachael King
Undergraduate Education:
University of La Verne
Major: Liberal Studies
Human Development Concentration
Graduate Education:
Azusa Pacific University
M.S. in College Counseling & Student Development
Hello all! My name is Rachael King and I am so excited to be a part of the School Counseling program at CSU Long Beach! I am originally from Mount Baldy, CA but currently live in Huntington Beach. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Human Development from the University of La Verne and then received my Master of Science in College Counseling & Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. For the last 8 years I have worked at CSULB as an Undergraduate Advisor for the Department of Design. Working with students and helping them develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and creatively is one of the greatest aspects of my job. I am excited to further my studies and learn about serving the K-12 population. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, taking my dog Jasper (pictured) to the dog beach, and taking Pilates and Barre classes.
University of La Verne
Major: Liberal Studies
Human Development Concentration
Graduate Education:
Azusa Pacific University
M.S. in College Counseling & Student Development
Hello all! My name is Rachael King and I am so excited to be a part of the School Counseling program at CSU Long Beach! I am originally from Mount Baldy, CA but currently live in Huntington Beach. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Human Development from the University of La Verne and then received my Master of Science in College Counseling & Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. For the last 8 years I have worked at CSULB as an Undergraduate Advisor for the Department of Design. Working with students and helping them develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and creatively is one of the greatest aspects of my job. I am excited to further my studies and learn about serving the K-12 population. In my free time, I love spending time with my family, taking my dog Jasper (pictured) to the dog beach, and taking Pilates and Barre classes.
Ivy Liu
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. in Psychology
Hi, my name is Ivy and I am an LA native! I graduated from UCLA with a major in Psychology after transferring from Citrus College. During my college career, I gained a passion for mental health awareness and advocating for global education. After graduating from college I had the opportunity to be a middle school teacher at a school located in South Los Angeles. Being a teacher allowed me to grow as an educator, but has also allowed me to see the lack of academic and socio-emotional support students receive in school. I want to be a school counselor so I can have the platform and opportunity to advocate for students, teach them life skills that will help them cope with stress and adversity, foster positive socio-emotional growth, maintain mutual responsibility for their success, and guide them towards achieving their life goals without any self-doubt. I am so excited to begin this journey of learning and growth and earn my Masters in School Counseling. Fun things I love to do in my free time are cook, travel, watch movies, sing in the car, take photos, and complete puzzles!
"Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose." -Anonymous
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A. in Psychology
Hi, my name is Ivy and I am an LA native! I graduated from UCLA with a major in Psychology after transferring from Citrus College. During my college career, I gained a passion for mental health awareness and advocating for global education. After graduating from college I had the opportunity to be a middle school teacher at a school located in South Los Angeles. Being a teacher allowed me to grow as an educator, but has also allowed me to see the lack of academic and socio-emotional support students receive in school. I want to be a school counselor so I can have the platform and opportunity to advocate for students, teach them life skills that will help them cope with stress and adversity, foster positive socio-emotional growth, maintain mutual responsibility for their success, and guide them towards achieving their life goals without any self-doubt. I am so excited to begin this journey of learning and growth and earn my Masters in School Counseling. Fun things I love to do in my free time are cook, travel, watch movies, sing in the car, take photos, and complete puzzles!
"Always remember to fall asleep with a dream and wake up with a purpose." -Anonymous
Christine Kim
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. in English and Psychology
Hello everyone! My name is Christine Kim. I have always pursued a career in education, but it was only recently that I realized my desire to support students in getting the resources and tools they need to succeed were closely aligned with the school counseling career! I shifted my focus from high school English teacher to school counselor and I am ever so excited to grow as not only as a professional through this program, but as my own person as well! Some of my hobbies include hiking, playing board games, and indulging in the arts (drawing, writing, or otherwise)!
California State University, Fullerton
B.A. in English and Psychology
Hello everyone! My name is Christine Kim. I have always pursued a career in education, but it was only recently that I realized my desire to support students in getting the resources and tools they need to succeed were closely aligned with the school counseling career! I shifted my focus from high school English teacher to school counselor and I am ever so excited to grow as not only as a professional through this program, but as my own person as well! Some of my hobbies include hiking, playing board games, and indulging in the arts (drawing, writing, or otherwise)!
Bianca Sanchez
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Major: History
Minor: Education
M.A.: in Education
Hi! My name is Bianca Sanchez. After graduating from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena I pursued a BA in History, while minoring in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During my undergraduate studies I developed a passion for education. One of my favorite professors said, "We must first educate ourselves before we educate others," which led me to earning my MA in Education from UCSC. I have been lucky to turn my passion into a profession. For the past 6 years I have taught social sciences in Gardena, South Los Angeles and San Francisco. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, I am excited to begin this journey in order to guide students to the resources they are entitled to in order to make their aspirations come to life.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Major: History
Minor: Education
M.A.: in Education
Hi! My name is Bianca Sanchez. After graduating from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena I pursued a BA in History, while minoring in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz. During my undergraduate studies I developed a passion for education. One of my favorite professors said, "We must first educate ourselves before we educate others," which led me to earning my MA in Education from UCSC. I have been lucky to turn my passion into a profession. For the past 6 years I have taught social sciences in Gardena, South Los Angeles and San Francisco. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, I am excited to begin this journey in order to guide students to the resources they are entitled to in order to make their aspirations come to life.
Alejandra Gutierrez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Minor: Public Relations
Hello! My name is Alejandra Gutierrez and I’m from Anaheim, California. I graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2018 with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Public Relations. After graduating, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do other than I wanted to work with kids in some capacity, which led me to joining Think Together as a program leader for their Shalimar site in Costa Mesa. During my time in this position, I realized that I really enjoyed taking on an advisor role, especially when answering questions about universities, careers, and general academics. As a result, I was encouraged to pursue school counseling as a career because it would allow me to continue helping students in their academic careers. In my free time, I can be found traveling, hanging out with family and friends, reading, and napping.
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Minor: Public Relations
Hello! My name is Alejandra Gutierrez and I’m from Anaheim, California. I graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2018 with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Public Relations. After graduating, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do other than I wanted to work with kids in some capacity, which led me to joining Think Together as a program leader for their Shalimar site in Costa Mesa. During my time in this position, I realized that I really enjoyed taking on an advisor role, especially when answering questions about universities, careers, and general academics. As a result, I was encouraged to pursue school counseling as a career because it would allow me to continue helping students in their academic careers. In my free time, I can be found traveling, hanging out with family and friends, reading, and napping.
Andres Diaz
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Psychology and Sociology
Hello everyone! My name is Andres Diaz and I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Downey CA. I completed my undergraduate career at the University of California Santa Barbara where I received my B.A. in Psychology & Sociology. I chose to pursue School Counseling because I want to empower and inspire students to follow their passions and become upstanding members of society. I'm breaking barriers as a first-generation college student and want every one of my future students to know that "Si se puede". Some of my favorite activities to do include playing volleyball, exercising at the gym, and playing video games with my best buds.
"Knowledge is power" and "With great power comes great responsibility" -Uncle Ben
University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Psychology and Sociology
Hello everyone! My name is Andres Diaz and I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Downey CA. I completed my undergraduate career at the University of California Santa Barbara where I received my B.A. in Psychology & Sociology. I chose to pursue School Counseling because I want to empower and inspire students to follow their passions and become upstanding members of society. I'm breaking barriers as a first-generation college student and want every one of my future students to know that "Si se puede". Some of my favorite activities to do include playing volleyball, exercising at the gym, and playing video games with my best buds.
"Knowledge is power" and "With great power comes great responsibility" -Uncle Ben
Karishma Barot
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Communications
Minor: Child Development
My name is Karishma Barot, I'm 25 years old and I'm a Gemini. I am a middle child and have two sisters! I went to Cal State Long Beach for my undergrad and got a Degree in Communications and a Minor in Child Development. I want to become a Counselor because I want to be able to help kids in any way that I can. Life has its ups and downs and there are struggles that kids face today that were different than the ones I faced during my time as a student. I would love to be someone who can help navigate them through difficult times, be there to listen and actually listen, and be there to be that person that believes in them while giving them positive support!! My Hobbies: I love music so I'm always going to concerts and different music festivals, I love going to comedy shows and I love comedians in general that is why my celebrity crush is Andy Samberg, I'm a big fan of basketball and my favorite team is The Lakers! I love going on mini adventures whether it's to LA or Long Beach. I also love a good museum. I also love fun workouts!
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Communications
Minor: Child Development
My name is Karishma Barot, I'm 25 years old and I'm a Gemini. I am a middle child and have two sisters! I went to Cal State Long Beach for my undergrad and got a Degree in Communications and a Minor in Child Development. I want to become a Counselor because I want to be able to help kids in any way that I can. Life has its ups and downs and there are struggles that kids face today that were different than the ones I faced during my time as a student. I would love to be someone who can help navigate them through difficult times, be there to listen and actually listen, and be there to be that person that believes in them while giving them positive support!! My Hobbies: I love music so I'm always going to concerts and different music festivals, I love going to comedy shows and I love comedians in general that is why my celebrity crush is Andy Samberg, I'm a big fan of basketball and my favorite team is The Lakers! I love going on mini adventures whether it's to LA or Long Beach. I also love a good museum. I also love fun workouts!
Ana Luisa Alvarez
Undergraduate Education:
Humboldt State University
Major: Child Development
Minor: Communications
Hey there! My name is Ana Luisa Alvarez. I’m from Gardena California, but I spent most of my early childhood living in Mazatlán Mexico. I was raised by 7 strong “mamas” and 3 dads. Most of the people who raised me have been and still are educators. I’ve been assisting at summer school camp in Mexico with my family since I was in fifth grade, worked as a babysitter, teacher assistant in toddler and preschool classes, and I am currently and behavior technician. It’s no surprise I’m in this field now. As a future school counselor, I hope to not only be there for students in times of trails, but also in times of celebrations. I love the outdoors and getting my hands dirty with the arts. I’m also a kinesthetic learner, so you will often catch me in the highlighter section of the bookstore.
“When you are hugging a child, always be the last one to let go. You never know how long they need it.” – A Retired Disney Princess
Humboldt State University
Major: Child Development
Minor: Communications
Hey there! My name is Ana Luisa Alvarez. I’m from Gardena California, but I spent most of my early childhood living in Mazatlán Mexico. I was raised by 7 strong “mamas” and 3 dads. Most of the people who raised me have been and still are educators. I’ve been assisting at summer school camp in Mexico with my family since I was in fifth grade, worked as a babysitter, teacher assistant in toddler and preschool classes, and I am currently and behavior technician. It’s no surprise I’m in this field now. As a future school counselor, I hope to not only be there for students in times of trails, but also in times of celebrations. I love the outdoors and getting my hands dirty with the arts. I’m also a kinesthetic learner, so you will often catch me in the highlighter section of the bookstore.
“When you are hugging a child, always be the last one to let go. You never know how long they need it.” – A Retired Disney Princess
Melissa Gahungu
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Economics
Minor: Human Resource Management
Hello Everyone! My name is Melissa Gahungu. I was born in Burundi, an East African country, but raised most of my life in Cypress, CA. I love playing tennis, it's something I've been doing for as long as I can remember. During my free time, I'm usually with friends or family enjoying being outside and/or traveling. My higher education journey started at Cypress College where I then transferred to Long Beach State. I had worked/volunteered as a tutor throughout high school and college and always loved building relationships with students while watching them reach their potential. I entered the Counseling program to continue to be a part of students' journeys and hoping to be a guiding and uplifting force in students' lives! I love the unpredictability of the school setting and can't wait to grow and learn more about the Counseling field while being back at The Beach!
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Economics
Minor: Human Resource Management
Hello Everyone! My name is Melissa Gahungu. I was born in Burundi, an East African country, but raised most of my life in Cypress, CA. I love playing tennis, it's something I've been doing for as long as I can remember. During my free time, I'm usually with friends or family enjoying being outside and/or traveling. My higher education journey started at Cypress College where I then transferred to Long Beach State. I had worked/volunteered as a tutor throughout high school and college and always loved building relationships with students while watching them reach their potential. I entered the Counseling program to continue to be a part of students' journeys and hoping to be a guiding and uplifting force in students' lives! I love the unpredictability of the school setting and can't wait to grow and learn more about the Counseling field while being back at The Beach!
Kate Rauch
Undergraduate Education:
The University of Oklahoma
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminology
Hi everyone! My name is Kate and I am currently living in Lakewood, CA. I graduated from The University of Oklahoma in May 2018 with a degree in psychology and in the summer of 2018, I relocated to California for graduate school. I lived in several different states growing up, and this helped develop my passion for wanting to help students and their families who are in different transitions. I went to several different schools and I had some amazing and not so amazing school counselors. After these experiences, I decided in high school I want to work to help students in all situations develop their individual path to success in life. During my undergrad, I worked with several school counselors to help solidify my passion and career goals as a school counselor.
During my free time, I love to spend time with my family and two dogs, Riven and Sophie. I also love watching horror movies, playing board games, baking, attending concerts, drastically changing my hair, traveling and being adventurous, and of course, singing along loudly to my favorite music.
I am excited to be on this journey with such an amazing group of people and I am looking forward to all of the experiences we will have!
The University of Oklahoma
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminology
Hi everyone! My name is Kate and I am currently living in Lakewood, CA. I graduated from The University of Oklahoma in May 2018 with a degree in psychology and in the summer of 2018, I relocated to California for graduate school. I lived in several different states growing up, and this helped develop my passion for wanting to help students and their families who are in different transitions. I went to several different schools and I had some amazing and not so amazing school counselors. After these experiences, I decided in high school I want to work to help students in all situations develop their individual path to success in life. During my undergrad, I worked with several school counselors to help solidify my passion and career goals as a school counselor.
During my free time, I love to spend time with my family and two dogs, Riven and Sophie. I also love watching horror movies, playing board games, baking, attending concerts, drastically changing my hair, traveling and being adventurous, and of course, singing along loudly to my favorite music.
I am excited to be on this journey with such an amazing group of people and I am looking forward to all of the experiences we will have!
Diareni Hernandez
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Irvine
Major: Psychology and Education Sciences
Hi everyone! My name is Diareni Hernandez and I grew up I’m Compton, CA. I obtained my B.A degrees in Psychology and Education Sciences from the University of California Irvine. During my time in UC Irvine, I was able to mentor traditionally underserved students through my work with MESA and EAOP. I had the opportunity to share my experiences as a first-generation college student as a way to empower and serve as a valuable resource for them. I want to continue to assist students in their academic journeys and ensure educational access and equity through my role as a future school counselor. Aside from my work, I also enjoy drawing, painting, and other forms of art.
My favorite quote is “Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling. Just start.”
University of California, Irvine
Major: Psychology and Education Sciences
Hi everyone! My name is Diareni Hernandez and I grew up I’m Compton, CA. I obtained my B.A degrees in Psychology and Education Sciences from the University of California Irvine. During my time in UC Irvine, I was able to mentor traditionally underserved students through my work with MESA and EAOP. I had the opportunity to share my experiences as a first-generation college student as a way to empower and serve as a valuable resource for them. I want to continue to assist students in their academic journeys and ensure educational access and equity through my role as a future school counselor. Aside from my work, I also enjoy drawing, painting, and other forms of art.
My favorite quote is “Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling. Just start.”
Gabriela Botello
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Sociology
Minor: Education
I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara Spring 2019 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Education. I am the first in both my immediate and extended family that obtained a college degree. I was born in Harbor City, CA but raised in Sacramento, CA. I am the first in both my immediate and extended family that obtained a college degree. I have 2 older siblings, a sister and brother. I enjoy writing poems, I am working on a poetry page that will one day be my memoir. Each year I like to have a catchphrase that I try to live by; my year phrase for 2019 is "Love your life." I am a downie so I will 9 out of 10 times say yes to plans and ideas without questioning or double thinking, so know I am ALWAYS DOWN. I want to become a school counselor because I want to help students fight against privileged spaces in not just a school setting but also in other settings such as a store, neighborhood, etc. I want to provide students with tools so they can remain resilient and to be knowledgeable about how their voice is powerful. To me a school counselor does more than just listen to our problems, they provide us the appropriate tools to be able to solve our problems. It's not just about giving students the tools but also about teaching them how to use it. I am excited for this journey!
University of California, Santa Barbara
Major: Sociology
Minor: Education
I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara Spring 2019 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Education. I am the first in both my immediate and extended family that obtained a college degree. I was born in Harbor City, CA but raised in Sacramento, CA. I am the first in both my immediate and extended family that obtained a college degree. I have 2 older siblings, a sister and brother. I enjoy writing poems, I am working on a poetry page that will one day be my memoir. Each year I like to have a catchphrase that I try to live by; my year phrase for 2019 is "Love your life." I am a downie so I will 9 out of 10 times say yes to plans and ideas without questioning or double thinking, so know I am ALWAYS DOWN. I want to become a school counselor because I want to help students fight against privileged spaces in not just a school setting but also in other settings such as a store, neighborhood, etc. I want to provide students with tools so they can remain resilient and to be knowledgeable about how their voice is powerful. To me a school counselor does more than just listen to our problems, they provide us the appropriate tools to be able to solve our problems. It's not just about giving students the tools but also about teaching them how to use it. I am excited for this journey!
Boon Khang
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Davis
Major: Asian American Studies/Ethnic Studies
Graduate Education:
Sacramento State University
MA in Education - Curriculum & Instruction
My name is Boon Khang, and I am a first generation college student. I was born in Thailand, but raised in Sacramento, California. My interest and passion for education stems from my experience working with underprivileged youth during my undergraduate years at UC Davis. After obtaining my BA, I committed myself to pursuing a career working with students. I moved on to teach middle school for 3 years while completing my MA in Education. I realized during that time that I wanted to support my students with more than just academics and classroom instruction. I am pursuing school counseling because I want to ensure that all students receive effective support services and are equipped with sufficient tools to help them succeed in and out of school.
Aside from education, I am passionate about cooking and traveling.
"The seed must grow regardless of the fact that it's planted in stone."
-Tupac Shakur
University of California, Davis
Major: Asian American Studies/Ethnic Studies
Graduate Education:
Sacramento State University
MA in Education - Curriculum & Instruction
My name is Boon Khang, and I am a first generation college student. I was born in Thailand, but raised in Sacramento, California. My interest and passion for education stems from my experience working with underprivileged youth during my undergraduate years at UC Davis. After obtaining my BA, I committed myself to pursuing a career working with students. I moved on to teach middle school for 3 years while completing my MA in Education. I realized during that time that I wanted to support my students with more than just academics and classroom instruction. I am pursuing school counseling because I want to ensure that all students receive effective support services and are equipped with sufficient tools to help them succeed in and out of school.
Aside from education, I am passionate about cooking and traveling.
"The seed must grow regardless of the fact that it's planted in stone."
-Tupac Shakur
Daniel Duran
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Psychology
Minor: Political Science
Hey everybody! My name is Daniel Duran and I’m from Bellflower, CA. I graduated with my BA in Psychology and a Minor in Political Science from CSULB in 2017. I loved the school so much I decided to come back for graduate school. During my time in the psychology program I worked as a peer mentor and course assistant for a psych course. I loved the interaction I was able to have with my students. During my time as an academic mentor at a high school in Long Beach in 2017 was when I realized I wanted to be a school counselor. I worked with a 12th grader who had been struggling staying on track to graduate. During my year with him, we were able to raise his grades and get him back on track to graduate. I worked very closely with his counselor and realized I loved the work we did together. I am obsessed with politics, specifically educational policies, and hope to be an advocate for a change in policy that benefits and enhances student potential while also attending to my students’ various social-emotional, physical, and educational needs. I’m so exited to be on this journey!
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Psychology
Minor: Political Science
Hey everybody! My name is Daniel Duran and I’m from Bellflower, CA. I graduated with my BA in Psychology and a Minor in Political Science from CSULB in 2017. I loved the school so much I decided to come back for graduate school. During my time in the psychology program I worked as a peer mentor and course assistant for a psych course. I loved the interaction I was able to have with my students. During my time as an academic mentor at a high school in Long Beach in 2017 was when I realized I wanted to be a school counselor. I worked with a 12th grader who had been struggling staying on track to graduate. During my year with him, we were able to raise his grades and get him back on track to graduate. I worked very closely with his counselor and realized I loved the work we did together. I am obsessed with politics, specifically educational policies, and hope to be an advocate for a change in policy that benefits and enhances student potential while also attending to my students’ various social-emotional, physical, and educational needs. I’m so exited to be on this journey!
Sergio Perez
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Santa Barbara
“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” -Cesar Chávez
Warm greetings to you all, my name is Sergio Perez a proud Latino of Mexican descent raised in Los Angeles County. Fun fact, I portrayed Cesar Chávez in my 8th grade wax museum honors project. I was motivated to become an agent of change just like Cesar Chávez was for the Latino and farm worker communities. As a young boy, my family has been a motivating factor in me wanting to pursue higher education and branch outside of the manual labor custom that a lot of my family partakes in to provide for their loved ones. I want to become a School Counselor to be a role model to all young people and provide them with the appropriate resources and skills to be successful leaders in their communities and their future endeavors. As a UCSB Gaucho at heart I look forward to continue my academic journey at CSU Long Beach
University of California, Santa Barbara
“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community…Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” -Cesar Chávez
Warm greetings to you all, my name is Sergio Perez a proud Latino of Mexican descent raised in Los Angeles County. Fun fact, I portrayed Cesar Chávez in my 8th grade wax museum honors project. I was motivated to become an agent of change just like Cesar Chávez was for the Latino and farm worker communities. As a young boy, my family has been a motivating factor in me wanting to pursue higher education and branch outside of the manual labor custom that a lot of my family partakes in to provide for their loved ones. I want to become a School Counselor to be a role model to all young people and provide them with the appropriate resources and skills to be successful leaders in their communities and their future endeavors. As a UCSB Gaucho at heart I look forward to continue my academic journey at CSU Long Beach
Cassandra Vargas
Undergraduate Education:
San Diego State University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Counseling and Social Change
Hi everyone, my name is Cassandra Vargas. I am from Tustin, California. I moved to San Diego to pursue a B.A. in Psychology, and I just graduated from San Diego State University in the spring of 2019. I have always loved working with kids. My decision to go into the field of school counseling was immensely influenced by my participation in a mentor program at Foothill High School, known as Knights in Progress, as well as my work with primary and secondary school children in after school programs. I hope to serve as a strong support system for all of my future students and create an open, positive environment where they can thrive. Some of my hobbies include traveling, camping, hiking, baking, attending concerts and watching true crime series!
San Diego State University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Counseling and Social Change
Hi everyone, my name is Cassandra Vargas. I am from Tustin, California. I moved to San Diego to pursue a B.A. in Psychology, and I just graduated from San Diego State University in the spring of 2019. I have always loved working with kids. My decision to go into the field of school counseling was immensely influenced by my participation in a mentor program at Foothill High School, known as Knights in Progress, as well as my work with primary and secondary school children in after school programs. I hope to serve as a strong support system for all of my future students and create an open, positive environment where they can thrive. Some of my hobbies include traveling, camping, hiking, baking, attending concerts and watching true crime series!
Brenda Hernandez
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Riverside
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Education
Hi everyone! My name is Brenda Hernandez and I’m from Anaheim, California. I graduated from UC Riverside with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in education. Alongside my undergraduate education, I worked as a Student Advisor, Youth Leader, and Site Coordinator in multiple school districts for K-12th-grade students. These experiences opened my eyes to the process, and collaborative effort required to provide the support needed for students of underserved communities. I chose to pursue School Counseling because I believe that all students can learn if given the proper supports and the opportunity to do so. II believe that a student’s ability to learn can be impacted by many things outside of the school day, and these factors need to be taken into consideration in order to help the student succeed and gain the tools necessary to grow. Ultimately, I want to plant seeds that nourish student’s development both inside and outside the classroom. When I am not counseling students, you can find me watching movies, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, attending concerts, and traveling.
I am so excited to further my studies and learn about how we can best serve our communities. Go BEACH!
University of California, Riverside
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Education
Hi everyone! My name is Brenda Hernandez and I’m from Anaheim, California. I graduated from UC Riverside with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in education. Alongside my undergraduate education, I worked as a Student Advisor, Youth Leader, and Site Coordinator in multiple school districts for K-12th-grade students. These experiences opened my eyes to the process, and collaborative effort required to provide the support needed for students of underserved communities. I chose to pursue School Counseling because I believe that all students can learn if given the proper supports and the opportunity to do so. II believe that a student’s ability to learn can be impacted by many things outside of the school day, and these factors need to be taken into consideration in order to help the student succeed and gain the tools necessary to grow. Ultimately, I want to plant seeds that nourish student’s development both inside and outside the classroom. When I am not counseling students, you can find me watching movies, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, attending concerts, and traveling.
I am so excited to further my studies and learn about how we can best serve our communities. Go BEACH!
Stephanie Anderson
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
Major: English Education & Single Subject English Teaching Credential
Hey everyone! My name is Stephanie and I was born and raised in Torrance, CA. I am one of 7 siblings and have always had supportive parents who instilled the importance of education. I’ve always had a love for education and working with children. I first started with an interest with special needs children, since my sister is Autistic. I began by volunteering in classrooms and fell in love with the idea of teaching. I started off by teaching ESL to Japanese preschool aged children for 6 years then moved on to teaching ESL to Japanese adults. I later received my teaching credential and realized being in the classroom wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get one on one interaction with students and helping them pursue their career dreams or issues outside of school. I want to be a school counselor because I can still use my love for education to help students plan out their futures, work with children and help them succeed in life. During my free time you can find my husband and I traveling the world, spending time with family, friends and our pups. I love learning about different cultures and even picked up a 3rd language. I speak English, Spanish and Japanese!
California State University, Long Beach
Major: English Education & Single Subject English Teaching Credential
Hey everyone! My name is Stephanie and I was born and raised in Torrance, CA. I am one of 7 siblings and have always had supportive parents who instilled the importance of education. I’ve always had a love for education and working with children. I first started with an interest with special needs children, since my sister is Autistic. I began by volunteering in classrooms and fell in love with the idea of teaching. I started off by teaching ESL to Japanese preschool aged children for 6 years then moved on to teaching ESL to Japanese adults. I later received my teaching credential and realized being in the classroom wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get one on one interaction with students and helping them pursue their career dreams or issues outside of school. I want to be a school counselor because I can still use my love for education to help students plan out their futures, work with children and help them succeed in life. During my free time you can find my husband and I traveling the world, spending time with family, friends and our pups. I love learning about different cultures and even picked up a 3rd language. I speak English, Spanish and Japanese!
Riley Bird
Undergraduate Education:
University of Texas at Austin
Major: Theatre
Hello everyone, my name is Riley Bird! I love all things Disney, the art of movies and television, traveling the world and crafting. I was raised in Austin, Texas where I attended the University of Texas and obtained a BA in Theatre. I moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of an acting career, where I discovered that the entertainment industry was not for me. I have been in Los Angeles for almost five years and am eager to start this new chapter! I have always loved working with children, helping them overcome obstacles to achieve their future ambitions. To this program I bring with me: my theatrical background, which exposed me to listening and being vulnerable, my determination to enrich students’ lives, and my enthusiasm to learn and grow as an individual and a counselor. I am so excited to work with you all, as we begin our educational journey.
University of Texas at Austin
Major: Theatre
Hello everyone, my name is Riley Bird! I love all things Disney, the art of movies and television, traveling the world and crafting. I was raised in Austin, Texas where I attended the University of Texas and obtained a BA in Theatre. I moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of an acting career, where I discovered that the entertainment industry was not for me. I have been in Los Angeles for almost five years and am eager to start this new chapter! I have always loved working with children, helping them overcome obstacles to achieve their future ambitions. To this program I bring with me: my theatrical background, which exposed me to listening and being vulnerable, my determination to enrich students’ lives, and my enthusiasm to learn and grow as an individual and a counselor. I am so excited to work with you all, as we begin our educational journey.