Ashleigh Dimpflmaier
Undergraduate Education:
Chapman University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Law, Justice, and Social Control
Chapman University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Law, Justice, and Social Control
Hi! I am Ashleigh Dimpflmaier and I am from the Bay Area. I majored in Psychology and minored in Law, Justice, and Social Control at Chapman University. During my time at Chapman, I was involved in a variety of clubs and research which further confirmed my desire to pursue a career where I will be collaborating with others to have a positive impact on people's lives, especially children. I am excited to become a school counselor because I want to be someone students can trust and know will be there to support them no matter what. During my free time, I like to cook, go on walks, spend time with my loved ones, and listen to music or podcasts.
Fedelia Suleiman
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Human Services
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Human Services
Hello everyone! My name is Fedelia Suleiman.
I am excited to say that I graduate in 2022 with my MS and Applied Disability certification.
A little about myself, I was born and raised in Lakewood, CA. I am Palestinian-American and the first in my family to go for their Master's. For my undergrad, I attended CSUF and received a bachelor's in Human Services. During undergrad, I interned for Access California Services a nonprofit for Refugees located in Anaheim. I also interned at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos. Both internships provided me an eye-opening experience of diverse multicultural issues and fueled my passion to help adolescents.
I worked for the ABC School District for ten years doing various roles. Working in education became my true passion. I have worn many hats in the field. My latest role as an RTI teacher for reading and math pushed me to go into School Counseling. Allowed me to dig deeper into the root issues students were struggling with academically and emotionally. This sparked a passion for me. I wanted to fight the obstacles and misinterpretations students faced due to their social-emotional state or cultural diversity. I want to help those who are struggling and in need of guidance. Whether academically, emotionally, or mentally, I want to instill hope in the hopeless and advocate for them.
My experience in the school counseling program has been great thus far! I have learned so much and have networked with so many great people. During my time in this program, I have committed myself to the 2021 Hooding Ceremony and the 2022 Social Committee. I am also proud to say that my group website for Laws & Ethics was highlighted in January 2021 for CASC. This showed me how I can share my voice and advocate on a larger platform. I am now motivated to grow in the field and network with counselors more than ever.
I have now dipped my toes into the school counseling world at the Norwalk-La Mirada District and the Anaheim Elementary District for practicum and fieldwork. I now have experience with Elementary, Middle School, and High School. I am excited and eager to complete my Master's and join the school counseling world to advocate for change and close the achievement gap.
Let's connect & make some change!
I am excited to say that I graduate in 2022 with my MS and Applied Disability certification.
A little about myself, I was born and raised in Lakewood, CA. I am Palestinian-American and the first in my family to go for their Master's. For my undergrad, I attended CSUF and received a bachelor's in Human Services. During undergrad, I interned for Access California Services a nonprofit for Refugees located in Anaheim. I also interned at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos. Both internships provided me an eye-opening experience of diverse multicultural issues and fueled my passion to help adolescents.
I worked for the ABC School District for ten years doing various roles. Working in education became my true passion. I have worn many hats in the field. My latest role as an RTI teacher for reading and math pushed me to go into School Counseling. Allowed me to dig deeper into the root issues students were struggling with academically and emotionally. This sparked a passion for me. I wanted to fight the obstacles and misinterpretations students faced due to their social-emotional state or cultural diversity. I want to help those who are struggling and in need of guidance. Whether academically, emotionally, or mentally, I want to instill hope in the hopeless and advocate for them.
My experience in the school counseling program has been great thus far! I have learned so much and have networked with so many great people. During my time in this program, I have committed myself to the 2021 Hooding Ceremony and the 2022 Social Committee. I am also proud to say that my group website for Laws & Ethics was highlighted in January 2021 for CASC. This showed me how I can share my voice and advocate on a larger platform. I am now motivated to grow in the field and network with counselors more than ever.
I have now dipped my toes into the school counseling world at the Norwalk-La Mirada District and the Anaheim Elementary District for practicum and fieldwork. I now have experience with Elementary, Middle School, and High School. I am excited and eager to complete my Master's and join the school counseling world to advocate for change and close the achievement gap.
Let's connect & make some change!
Emily Martinez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Psychology
Minor: Child & Adolescent Development
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Psychology
Minor: Child & Adolescent Development
Hey everyone, my name is Emily Martinez and I am a proud Mexicana. I grew up in the city of Paramount, CA and am the eldest daughter and granddaughter in my family. I enjoy going on hikes, having gym and yoga sessions, going to concerts, and spending time at the beach. Being the eldest in my family has helped me realize how much I love being someone who people can turn to for help. During high school and undergrad, I discovered that I loved working with children! I volunteered working with kids at summer camps and tutored students through an organization called School on Wheels. I am currently working with middle school students in special education as an instructional aid. Wherever I work, I am able to make genuine connections with students. I’ve decided to pursue the career of a school counselor because I want to be able to make a greater impact on students’ lives. I want to have the knowledge and experience that will help me guide students towards success!
Omar Sanchez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University Long Beach
Major: Human Development
Major: Child and Family Studies
California State University Long Beach
Major: Human Development
Major: Child and Family Studies
My name is Omar Sanchez and I am the youngest sibling of three. I grew up in Inglewood, CA. My sister is a Registered Nurse, my brother is a High School Counselor and I aspire to be a counselor in the next few years. I attended Cal State Long Beach for my undergrad and double majored in human development and child and family studies. In high school I had a very supportive counselor that had a major impact on why I chose to further my education. As she helped me immensely, I also want to become a school counselor in hopes to break or help with academic barriers students face daily. In my leisure time I love to travel, spend time with friends and watch sports. I am excited for this next chapter in my life and I look forward to being part of a team/cohort that I can learn and grow from!
Kimberly Michel
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Hi everyone! My name is Kimberly Michel and I’m a First-Generation Latinx college student, born and raised in Anaheim, CA. With a passion to work with children, I received my Bachelors degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton. My experience within the K-12 education system drives me to promote access and equity for all students, regardless of their background. I have always had a deep passion to work and advocate for children and youth, especially since many times their voices aren’t heard or recognized. I have gained experience working with children from K-12 in various settings such as after school programs, summer camps, as an avid tutor and an elementary, middle school and high school counseling intern. I chose to pursue a career in school counseling because I want to be an active advocate for all students, regardless of their background. I can’t wait to be my students' personal cheerleader as they navigate their way throughout their high school career. I absolutely love to travel, try/cook new food, watch true crime, and completely fangirl over Harry Styles! I’m extremely excited for what my last year of grad school has in store, especially learning the various techniques and skills necessary to become the best school counselor for my future self and students. Also, follow my journey of becoming a school counselor @theschoolcounselorguide on Instagram! <3
“Treat People With Kindness” - Harry Styles
“Treat People With Kindness” - Harry Styles
Rebekah Brevard
Undergraduate Education:
Biola University
Major: History with an emphasis in Secondary Education
Biola University
Major: History with an emphasis in Secondary Education
Hi I’m Rebekah! I was born and raised in Fresno, Ca and moved to Southern California for my undergrad. Originally, I wanted to be a History teacher but ultimately decided that path wasn’t for me. I loved working with high school students, so I started volunteering as a High School Leader at my church. This allowed me to build relationships, mentor, give advice, and support students as they figure out who they are and make plans for their futures. I love every second of it. This experience showed me the path I wanted to pursue in education and that it’s never too late to pursue dreams. I’m excited to enter the School Counseling field so I can advocate for students, show them tools that will help them succeed, and create a welcoming environment where students feel safe and believed in. In my free time I love reading, listening to podcasts, watching TV/Movies, petting other people’s dogs, and hanging out with my people.
“Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.” – Louisa May Alcott
“Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.” – Louisa May Alcott
Sora Kim
Undergraduate Education:
Scripps College
Major: English
Scripps College
Major: English
Hi everyone! My name is Sora Kim. I am so excited to be a graduate student at CSULB! I received my BA in English at Scripps College, my teaching credential at Cal State LA and I am currently a Tier 2 teacher for Alhambra Unified School District. I am a native Angeleno, but attended middle and high school in Seoul, Korea. I chose to become a school counselor because I love the idea that the school site can be a place where students seek help in times of crisis--because schools provide the most accessibility for students. I believe school leaders and staff can effectively advocate for the health and safety of their students and a school counselor can play an important role in that. In my free time, I enjoy wilderness backpacking, rock climbing, yoga and of course watching, Netflix!
Brittany Alejandre
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Child Development and Family Life Education
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Child Development and Family Life Education
Hello, my name is Brittany Alejandre. I was born in Baja California, Mexico but grew up in Bellflower, CA. I am a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue a Master’s Degree. I work in Paramount I have a very strong connection to the city and the students I work with. I want to be a school counselor because I want to be an advocate for students and provide them with an equal opportunity to achieve their academic and life goals. Some fun things I like to do outside of school are working out, product development and media management for my small business, and photography! I graduated from undergrad in 2019 and I am excited to return to the BEACH and continue my education in this amazing field.
Alyssa Martinez
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Sociology (Health and Social Welfare)
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Sociology (Health and Social Welfare)
Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa Angelique Martinez, and I am a California native. I was born and raised here in the 90650 area code. I have lived in Norwalk, CA for most of my life and am proud to represent my city. I began my higher education journey at Cerritos College and transferred to CSUF where I graduated in Sociology concentrating in Health and Social Welfare in the Spring of 2020. I have worked in education for the past 5 years as a Behavior Intervention Assistant for grades K-8 and I absolutely love working with all populations of students! I firmly believe every child's unique personality, abilities, and learning style must be cultivated for them to reach their full potential. My goal as a School Counselor is to reinforce the belief that all students matter through creating a community that values student’s multiculturalism, development, and needs.
Besides advocating on behalf of students, I am also an advocate for the Monarch Butterfly. Part of my wellness routine involves gardening, where I open my garden up each spring/summer for monarchs to help raise generations of butterflies. You can also find me spending time with family, binge-watching Law & Order, playing Animal Crossing, or at a local art show.
Besides advocating on behalf of students, I am also an advocate for the Monarch Butterfly. Part of my wellness routine involves gardening, where I open my garden up each spring/summer for monarchs to help raise generations of butterflies. You can also find me spending time with family, binge-watching Law & Order, playing Animal Crossing, or at a local art show.
Noah Gordon
Undergraduate Education
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Classical Studies
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Classical Studies
Hello everyone! My name is Noah Gordon. I am from Long Beach, CA, born and raised! I earned my Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and minored in Classical Studies at California State University, Long Beach. I am a Spring 2020 initiate of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. CSULB Undergraduate Chapter. My hobbies are listening to music, specifically Hip-hop/Rap; playing basketball; and going out to eat with my friends. The reason why I want to be a School Counselor is to be an advocate for young Black students to succeed in the education system. When I was in high school, I did not have the sufficient resources and support to succeed, so I want to be the bridge-builder for my community.
Noemi Ruelas
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Psychology and Chicana/o Studies
University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Psychology and Chicana/o Studies
Hello! My name is Noemi Ruelas and I am a proud first generation Latina from Santa Ana, CA. I received my B.A in Psychology and Chicana/o Studies from UCLA in 2018. Some of the things I love to do include exercising, eating, dancing, traveling, connecting with friends, and sunbathing at the beach while reading a book. I want to be a school counselor because I love working with kids and I am eager to provide them with the tools/resources they need to achieve their goals and succeed. As a school counselor, I hope to be the person that they feel comfortable coming to for help and guide them through any and all challenges. Through this passion, I hope to empower my students and help our communities thrive. I am excited to embark in this journey of learning and growth!
Shayla Jordan
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach
Major: Child Development and Family Studies
Major: Child Development and Family Studies
Hi, my name is Shayla! I first started my college journey at Cypress Community College, and later attended CSULB to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies. Not only am I the oldest of four siblings, but I have have worked with students of all ages through city recreation programs, at before and after school/summer programs, and as a mentor at my church. I always knew that I wanted to work with students, but wasn’t sure which route and to what capacity I wanted to do so. After taking some time off of school after undergrad, I found myself back at CSULB for my MS in School Counseling - Go Beach! I have a passion for advocating for students and helping them succeed, whether it be academically, socially, and/or emotionally. I truly believe that every student has the ability to thrive - all they need someone on their side to listen and advocate for them! I am excited to be this person for my students in the near future.
In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family/friends, taking my dog on walks, going to Disneyland, and attending Pilates classes!
“Carpe Diem!” (Seize the day)
In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family/friends, taking my dog on walks, going to Disneyland, and attending Pilates classes!
“Carpe Diem!” (Seize the day)
Cecilia Pho
Undergraduate Education:
University of San Diego
Major: Sociology
University of San Diego
Major: Sociology
Hello everyone, my name is Cecilia! I was born in Vietnam and raised in Orange County. In my undergraduate education, I studied Sociology, which not only empowered me to put a name to many of the social justice issues I faced and witnessed growing up, but also work to change them. Since I've always had a particular passion for serving youth, I worked at the YMCA and volunteered with at-promise youth at the juvenile detention center and juvenile court throughout my college career. After graduating, I wanted to continue working with underserved youth and I became a youth case manager. I worked with a diverse group of young adults in helping them remove barriers in order to explore career paths, gain work experience, secure employment, and enroll into education programs. I became inspired to pursue school counseling in order to help students access academic, social/emotional, and career support early on. I believe that school counseling is a right that every student deserves access to, and I am ready and excited to work together in order to make that a reality. Outside of school and work, you can find me traveling, watching movies, playing board games, and spending time with my family and friends!
Citlaly Leon
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Human Services
California State University, Fullerton
Major: Human Services
Hey everyone! My name is Citlaly Leon and I am from La Puente, California. I am an only child, but I definitely love my cousins as if they were my siblings. Family is super important to me and I am fortunate enough to have 36 cousins (that I know of). As a child, I spent a lot of time traveling back and forth to Sinaloa, Mexico. I often look back and think about my childhood and realize that in my family we did not discuss mental health. It wasn't until college where I realized being in good health meant more than being physically healthy. Throughout my time at CSUF, I quickly came to realize the need to discuss counseling and mental health issues within my own family and Hispanic culture. While completing my internship hours at an after school program for at-promise youth; I saw an even bigger need for positive role models in the community. Many times Hispanic families are not aware of the resources and financial help they can receive. My hope is that as a bilingual counselor I will provide families and their children with the tools to prevail over the ever-changing issues within their culture and society. Despite the struggles within my culture, I am very much proud of my roots originating from Zacatecas and Sinaloa, Mexico. I enjoy traveling to Mexico and riding horses out in the ranch. Most of all I enjoy the delicious food and being able to destress from the fast-paced life I have in the U.S. Other things I enjoy are: rewatching the Office, going to Disneyland, and outdoor walks.
"Children will listen to you after they feel listened to - Jane Nelsen"
"Children will listen to you after they feel listened to - Jane Nelsen"
Melissa Munguia
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Northridge
Major: Family Studies and Childcare Administration
California State University, Northridge
Major: Family Studies and Childcare Administration
Hi y’all! My name is Melissa Munguia and I am 20-years-old. I am a first generation college student and the first in my entire family to begin a graduate program! My passion for school counseling began in the 7th grade because of my middle school counselor. She inspired a positive school atmosphere and I truly believe students and their ambitions for pursuing a higher education are a reflection of the dedication of their counselors. Even though I’ve always known the route I wanted to steer towards, a lot of my undergrad background is in the Preschool and Childcare realm of education. I love working with families and at this age, it’s a lot of collaboration; Parents are our first teachers! I’m definitely that person that loves to do everything but my heart belongs to helping prep high school students for the next chapter of their lives.
Aside from working with students and their families, I love to travel! I especially love it when I get to visit Autlán, Jalisco which is where my entire family is from. Some other things I enjoy are going to bailes and jaripeos, lifting weights, baking, and playing with my dog Camila. I am also the youngest in my cohort so I am excited to learn from them and alongside them these next two years!
Aside from working with students and their families, I love to travel! I especially love it when I get to visit Autlán, Jalisco which is where my entire family is from. Some other things I enjoy are going to bailes and jaripeos, lifting weights, baking, and playing with my dog Camila. I am also the youngest in my cohort so I am excited to learn from them and alongside them these next two years!
Ricardo Aguilar
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Los Angeles,
Major: History
University of California, Los Angeles,
Major: History
Hello everyone! My name is Ricardo Aguilar and I am a first-generation Guatemalan-American from Los Angeles! I earned my B.A in History from UCLA in 2016. Some of my hobbies include hunting down the best taco in LA, eating good, watching sports, listening to various music but mainly hip-hop/rap, staying up to date with the latest shoes and fashion trends, and traveling (which I hope we are able to get back to soon!) I want to become a School Counselor to serve as an advocate for Black and Brown and other POC Youth. Growing up, I felt I never knew who my School Counselor was and was only given my schedule and grades from them, but never built that relationship with them. I want to help youth succeed regardless of their backgrounds and socio-economic status. Working with various high school youth here in Downtown LA at Miguel Contreras HS and working at Upward Bound - Berkeley during my undergrad was really what motivated me to pursue Counseling to help promote and push equity in education for all students. I am looking forward to supporting as many students as possible and learning and growing personally and professionally here at CSULB!
"Minor setbacks, for major comebacks" - Kendrick Lamar
"Minor setbacks, for major comebacks" - Kendrick Lamar
Audrey Arias
Undergraduate Education
Soka University of America
Major: Liberal Arts
Concentration: Social Behavioral Sciences
Soka University of America
Major: Liberal Arts
Concentration: Social Behavioral Sciences
Hello! My name is Audrey Arias and I am from Southern California. I received my B.A in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Social Behavioral Sciences from Soka University of America in 2017. I want to be a school counselor because I want all students to have access to resources that will help them succeed. I hope to be someone students can go to without any hesitancy. In my free time I enjoy ice skating, karaoke, and trying new food. Excited to start my journey!
Lizeth Ochoa
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Northridge
Major: Child Development
Hello everyone! My name is Lizeth Ochoa and I am from the San Fernando Valley. Not ready to move away from home, I attended California State University, Northridge where I majored in Child Development for my undergraduate studies. I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a postgraduate
degree. I have been working in school settings serving students as young as four and as old as eighteen. Through my experiences working with children of diverse backgrounds, I discovered my desire to further my education and study to become a school counselor. My goal is to become an advocate for communities that are often underserved and help
California State University, Northridge
Major: Child Development
Hello everyone! My name is Lizeth Ochoa and I am from the San Fernando Valley. Not ready to move away from home, I attended California State University, Northridge where I majored in Child Development for my undergraduate studies. I am a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a postgraduate
degree. I have been working in school settings serving students as young as four and as old as eighteen. Through my experiences working with children of diverse backgrounds, I discovered my desire to further my education and study to become a school counselor. My goal is to become an advocate for communities that are often underserved and help
Gabriela Papias
Undergraduate Education:
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Sociology
Hi everyone! My name is Gabriela Papias and I was born and raised in SELA (s/o Huntington Park!). I received my B.A. in Sociology from CSULB in 2016. When I'm not busy with work and school, I love spending time with my sisters and my niece and nephew.
California State University, Long Beach
Major: Sociology
Hi everyone! My name is Gabriela Papias and I was born and raised in SELA (s/o Huntington Park!). I received my B.A. in Sociology from CSULB in 2016. When I'm not busy with work and school, I love spending time with my sisters and my niece and nephew.
Liliana Mora
Undergraduate Education: Pomona College
Major: Anthropology
Hi! I’m Liliana - proud Latina, 1st generation college student and product of migration. I was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA. During my free time, I’m usually hanging with the fam, catching up with friends, or adventuring with my dog Lola, of course.
I decided to become a school counselor because I believe in public K-12 education as a possible means for empowerment and liberation. I think counselors are at a key position to facilitate it. I want to create spaces in which students can explore their intersecting identities and values and build skills such as self-advocacy and critical consciousness. Ultimately, my goal is for students to leave their schools prepared to advocate for themselves and their communities in whatever they do.
Major: Anthropology
Hi! I’m Liliana - proud Latina, 1st generation college student and product of migration. I was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA. During my free time, I’m usually hanging with the fam, catching up with friends, or adventuring with my dog Lola, of course.
I decided to become a school counselor because I believe in public K-12 education as a possible means for empowerment and liberation. I think counselors are at a key position to facilitate it. I want to create spaces in which students can explore their intersecting identities and values and build skills such as self-advocacy and critical consciousness. Ultimately, my goal is for students to leave their schools prepared to advocate for themselves and their communities in whatever they do.