Madison Arne
I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology and B.A. in Childhood Development from California State University, Northridge in May 2021. I have had so many friends and family members attend CSULB so I am excited to finally be a part of the beach family. I have always been very passionate about education and was able to pinpoint that I wanted to be a school counselor when I realized my passion for mental health as well. I am so passionate about helping children get the fair education that they deserve. I have a lot of experience working with kids who have mental health and/or behavioral differences and I am excited to use that experience in my time as a counselor. In my free time, I love to cook, listen to music, go camping, shopping, and hang out with my sisters. I am also a big fan of card games and board games and am always down for a game night.
Khiara Bankston
Hi everyone, I’m Khiara! I was born and raised in Orange County, CA. I started my journey at Orange Coast Community College, and transferred to UCLA where I majored in Psychology. I love to cook and bake, shop, travel, and fawn over my dog 24/7. I also love puzzles and true crime podcasts. I have three younger brothers, and am the oldest of 18 cousins, so I knew early on that I loved being around children and wanted a career working with them. I’ve spent years volunteering and working with children of all backgrounds, including those with autism and other developmental delays. I am also very passionate about mental health and social justice, which made school counseling an obvious field for me to pursue. Growing up biracial in a city where diversity is not common, I realized the need for counselors that are conscious of, and empathetic to the unique struggles of diverse students. I look forward to being in a position where I can serve as a trusted resource and advocate for all students that come my way!
Cailah Jadyn Eugenio
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Irvine
Major: Psychology and Social Behavior
Hi, everyone! My name is Cailah Jadyn Eugenio, and I grew up in San Diego, CA. I enjoy being a homebody in my free time, but I also love finding the best food spots, traveling, and learning about other cultures, especially language! Going into my undergrad, I originally entered as a physics major. I struggled a lot and felt very discouraged with my lack of performance. I had to deeply reflect to identify what my strengths were as a person and the goals of what I wanted to achieve through a future profession. I discovered my affinity to develop interpersonal relationships and desire to build others up. This led me to switch my major to Psychology and Social Behavior which pleasantly led me to realize my passion to be a school counselor. As I reflected on the difficult process I had in identifying my strengths and developing self-efficacy, I saw the necessity for encouraging such practices that would build up students well before their post-high school years. I want to become an adult within the system that works as an advocate for the students and helps them to discover their own potential and capabilities so their outlook on their future will be lit by all of their possibilities, not dimmed by disqualifiers.
University of California, Irvine
Major: Psychology and Social Behavior
Hi, everyone! My name is Cailah Jadyn Eugenio, and I grew up in San Diego, CA. I enjoy being a homebody in my free time, but I also love finding the best food spots, traveling, and learning about other cultures, especially language! Going into my undergrad, I originally entered as a physics major. I struggled a lot and felt very discouraged with my lack of performance. I had to deeply reflect to identify what my strengths were as a person and the goals of what I wanted to achieve through a future profession. I discovered my affinity to develop interpersonal relationships and desire to build others up. This led me to switch my major to Psychology and Social Behavior which pleasantly led me to realize my passion to be a school counselor. As I reflected on the difficult process I had in identifying my strengths and developing self-efficacy, I saw the necessity for encouraging such practices that would build up students well before their post-high school years. I want to become an adult within the system that works as an advocate for the students and helps them to discover their own potential and capabilities so their outlook on their future will be lit by all of their possibilities, not dimmed by disqualifiers.
Adriana Hernandez
Undergraduate Education: UC Merced
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish and Writing
Hello! My name is Adriana Hernandez. I’m from the Hollywood area in Los Angeles, CA. I completed my undergrad at UC Merced, which was a blessing and an amazing experience. The cows and cherry blossoms on campus were some of my favorite parts of being a student there!
I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my loved ones, and learning. Overall, I want to be a school counselor to be a part of students’ support system. In doing so, I aim to help students feel seen and heard. I believe there is great power in this, power that can make a student feel cared for and not alone.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Spanish and Writing
Hello! My name is Adriana Hernandez. I’m from the Hollywood area in Los Angeles, CA. I completed my undergrad at UC Merced, which was a blessing and an amazing experience. The cows and cherry blossoms on campus were some of my favorite parts of being a student there!
I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my loved ones, and learning. Overall, I want to be a school counselor to be a part of students’ support system. In doing so, I aim to help students feel seen and heard. I believe there is great power in this, power that can make a student feel cared for and not alone.
Brenda Hernandez
Hello! My name is Brenda Hernandez and I am from Southern California, South LA to be specific. I graduated in 2020 from UC Davis with a bachelors in Chicano Studies and a minor in Education. I want to become a school counselor to provide assistance to students who like myself are first generation or need the guidance to life after high school. After 2 years of volunteering at the Woodland Detention Center, I was inspired to help communities like my own and that of the youth I served to help future leaders achieve their full potential. Some of my hobbies include shopping, make-up, tattoos and going on roadtrips.
Janet Gonzalez
Hello everyone, my name is Janet Gonzalez! I am from Carson, CA & I completed my bachelor's degree at CSU, Dominguez Hills in Child Development & Juvenile Delinquency. My passion for counseling was ultimately first sparked through my own journey as a first-generation college student. During my time in undergrad, I worked closely with university advisors and counselors which helped solidify my passion for the field. I was previously an ETS College Advisor for HS students, which I enjoyed very much! I currently serve as the School Counseling Student Associate Vice President. Within this role, I advocate to create an inclusive and supportive community for aspiring school counselors. I am also a part of Project FACTSS, where we implement evidence-based and culturally congruent transition interventions to students with disabilities. I have interned for Norwalk-La Mirada, Paramount Unified, and Los Angeles Unified School District. My experiences have shaped me to understand the impact of cultural, social, and environmental influences on student success and opportunities. As a future school counselor, I look forward to supporting all students in accomplishing their academic, socio-emotional, and career goals.
Julissa Hernandez
Hello, My name is Julissa! I moved around a lot growing up but I was raised in southern California. I am the first generation college student and the first to pursue a graduate degree in my family. I received my bachelor’s degree in human development with a concentration in child development at Cal State East Bay. I chose to pursue a career in school counseling because I want to be the support system for those students that don’t have one at home. I want to ensure students are supported with their education, career goals, and social emotionally. Some activities I enjoy doing are painting, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with family and friends!
Carlos Hernandez
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Northridge
Majors: BA in Central American Studies and Psychology
Graduate Education: California State University, Northridge
Major: MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management (with Sports Emphasis)
I was born in Los Angeles, raised a few years in Honduras, and then returned back to LA at the age of ten. Although my academic background is in sports and other majors, I have spent most of my years working in education. This year I saw the opportunity for professional growth and went for it. My wish/reason for joining the School Counseling program is to learn new ways to support students and families to reach their full academic potential. On the first day of the program I wore my special tie (with my daughters’ images on it) because it is a momentous occasion to go for my second graduate degree and they are my inspiration.
When I am not in school, or at work, you may find me having fun with my wife and daughters, or out on the soccer pitch officiating a soccer match. A fun fact about me is that I have done it all in terms of soccer — even obtained a master's degree. So if you also love the beautiful game or simply want to exchange ideas, reach out and let's converse. I am a life-long learner and enjoy building relationships.
"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Majors: BA in Central American Studies and Psychology
Graduate Education: California State University, Northridge
Major: MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management (with Sports Emphasis)
I was born in Los Angeles, raised a few years in Honduras, and then returned back to LA at the age of ten. Although my academic background is in sports and other majors, I have spent most of my years working in education. This year I saw the opportunity for professional growth and went for it. My wish/reason for joining the School Counseling program is to learn new ways to support students and families to reach their full academic potential. On the first day of the program I wore my special tie (with my daughters’ images on it) because it is a momentous occasion to go for my second graduate degree and they are my inspiration.
When I am not in school, or at work, you may find me having fun with my wife and daughters, or out on the soccer pitch officiating a soccer match. A fun fact about me is that I have done it all in terms of soccer — even obtained a master's degree. So if you also love the beautiful game or simply want to exchange ideas, reach out and let's converse. I am a life-long learner and enjoy building relationships.
"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Julaina Juarez
Hello everyone!!! My name is Julaina Juarez, and I am from San Bernardino, CA. My community and identity has shaped my educational journey, which led me to UCLA for my undergraduate degree. I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology with a double minor in Education and Chicanx & Central American Studies. As the journey continues, my educational experiences, as informed by community, identity and social systems, guided my aspirations to become a School Counselor, now at CSULB.
My aspirations to become a School Counselor lie in the necessity to challenge normative practices of exclusion and violence that disproportionately characterize the processes and practices of support that many Black and Brown communities receive (or don’t receive). As a School Counselor I strive to embody a student centered approach to supporting students; to empower students’ identities and experiences while being critical of systemic oppressions in order to provide the resources necessary for students’ holistic development and achievement. Social justice is something I hold central to my work, and hope to cultivate a space where such is always integrated into educational spaces. I am excited to learn, to grow and to put into practice so much and more throughout my time here at CSULB!
My aspirations to become a School Counselor lie in the necessity to challenge normative practices of exclusion and violence that disproportionately characterize the processes and practices of support that many Black and Brown communities receive (or don’t receive). As a School Counselor I strive to embody a student centered approach to supporting students; to empower students’ identities and experiences while being critical of systemic oppressions in order to provide the resources necessary for students’ holistic development and achievement. Social justice is something I hold central to my work, and hope to cultivate a space where such is always integrated into educational spaces. I am excited to learn, to grow and to put into practice so much and more throughout my time here at CSULB!
Carina Ma
Undergraduate Education:
University of California, Irvine
Major: Psychology and Social BehaviorMinor: Education
Hey y’all! My name is Carina Ma, and I was born and raised in Chino Hills, CA. I am Chinese-American, and the first in my family to work towards their post-graduate degree. Some of my favorite hobbies include listening to music, trying new restaurants, making latte art, and exploring new areas!
My passion to become a school counselor began when I had the opportunity to work at local, low-income high schools to support students who were applying towards higher education. This experience led me to pursue my career towards helping students from underprivileged backgrounds. As a future school counselor, I hope to make an impact on student lives by gaining the skills necessary to form strong connections with students and helping them reach their full potential!
Mckayla Martinez
Hello everyone! My name is Mckayla Martinez. I love hiking, running, eating desserts others bake for me, and spontaneous planning. I am the middle child with an older brother and younger brother. I grew up playing basketball and love a good competitive game of horse. I graduated from the University of Oregon c/o 2018, where I majored in Psychology. I loved my time in a small college town. Go ducks! I have always been drawn to volunteering and working in the field of human services, but it wasn’t until the end of my undergrad where I found further direction towards my passion. While in Oregon, I interned and later was employed at a non-profit human services agency that offered psychiatric, therapeutic and special education programs for children and young adults with emotional and behavioral disorders. While employed, I discovered the impact evidence-based intervention have on student/client outcomes and gained experience, knowledge, and confidence in advocating and supporting individualized student needs. I am passionate about empowering children and young adults to reach their full potential and becoming their most resilient selves. I am so excited to further my education and improve my professional abilities and identity within the school counseling program to better serve students.
Mayra Luna Martinez
Hi y’all! My name is Mayra Luna and I am a first generation college student. I attended UC Berkeley where I majored in Social Welfare and minored in Education. While completing my undergraduate career, I volunteered for various organizations including the Latinx Center and the Undocumented Student Program. I found that these two spaces provided the guidance I wish I had while in high school. I quickly learned that I enjoyed volunteering in high schools and collaborating with folks in hopes of demystifying higher education for students of color. These groups allowed me to discover that I wanted to become a school counselor to provide opportunities to communities that reflected my own and to historically underrepresented youth who don’t easily get promoted such resources.
In my free time, I enjoy watching musicals and exploring coffee shops. I’m all about grinding and brewing my coffee at home to maximize flavor and to support small businesses, but can occasionally enjoy a Starbucks cup. I also like spending time with my family and discovering different kinds of food. I’m nervous about this journey but also thrilled to learn and work alongside my cohort!
In my free time, I enjoy watching musicals and exploring coffee shops. I’m all about grinding and brewing my coffee at home to maximize flavor and to support small businesses, but can occasionally enjoy a Starbucks cup. I also like spending time with my family and discovering different kinds of food. I’m nervous about this journey but also thrilled to learn and work alongside my cohort!
Eryn McDaniel
My name is Eryn McDaniel. I am part of the new MS School Counseling cohort. I went to CSUCI for my undergrad and majored in Psychology. I am a low income first generation college student originally from San Diego. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and doing yoga with my cats. I always knew I wanted to do something in the counseling field as I grew up mediating a lot of familial issues. My love for school and education led me to pursue school counseling over other counseling fields. I am excited to support students in their academics and their goals while also being there for through their hardships.
Hannah Meyer
Undergraduate:
A.A. in Psychology from Diablo Valley College
B.A. in Psychology; minor in Education from the University of California, Davis.
Hi, my name is Hannah Meyer and I am from San Ramon, CA. Outside of school I love to go on long walks, read at the beach, listen to music/podcasts, and hangout with my loved ones. My trajectory to school counseling began in my early years of undergraduate education at Diablo Valley College. In my early years of undergraduate I really grew a deep appreciation for early childhood education and psychology. As someone who had struggled with learning in my early education, I have experienced an immense amount of growth over the last four years. I found my purpose in obtaining an education and had great support from my advisors and professors. I knew if I could make this drastic change in myself, I could advocate for others to find their niche in our education system. I started working with kids early in High School, specifically I worked as a swim instructor and deck manager at a swim academy. At this job, I worked with a diverse group of children and parents. I saw how important it was for these people to have a support system that was flexible, adaptable, approachable, and most of all passionate about their children’s success. When I lived in Davis, CA to continue my undergraduate education I started working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Being a CASA solidified why I was on this journey of becoming a school counselor because it enlightened me about the significant impact students’ at-home lives have on their academic performance and behaviors. With the combination of my personal and work experiences I believe that my role as a school counselor is to be the voice of reason to students and advocate for their success!
A.A. in Psychology from Diablo Valley College
B.A. in Psychology; minor in Education from the University of California, Davis.
Hi, my name is Hannah Meyer and I am from San Ramon, CA. Outside of school I love to go on long walks, read at the beach, listen to music/podcasts, and hangout with my loved ones. My trajectory to school counseling began in my early years of undergraduate education at Diablo Valley College. In my early years of undergraduate I really grew a deep appreciation for early childhood education and psychology. As someone who had struggled with learning in my early education, I have experienced an immense amount of growth over the last four years. I found my purpose in obtaining an education and had great support from my advisors and professors. I knew if I could make this drastic change in myself, I could advocate for others to find their niche in our education system. I started working with kids early in High School, specifically I worked as a swim instructor and deck manager at a swim academy. At this job, I worked with a diverse group of children and parents. I saw how important it was for these people to have a support system that was flexible, adaptable, approachable, and most of all passionate about their children’s success. When I lived in Davis, CA to continue my undergraduate education I started working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Being a CASA solidified why I was on this journey of becoming a school counselor because it enlightened me about the significant impact students’ at-home lives have on their academic performance and behaviors. With the combination of my personal and work experiences I believe that my role as a school counselor is to be the voice of reason to students and advocate for their success!
Priscilla Park
Undergraduate Education: Trinity International University (IL)
Major: Elementary Education
Graduate Education: University of Southern California
Major: Differing Abilities
Hey everyone! My name is Priscilla Park and I was born and raised in the best city in the U.S, Chicago. As a 2nd generation Korean, mental health was and is such a taboo subject. It's frowned upon if someone in our culture decides to go to therapy because our immigrant parents fear that others will perceive us as "having issues." Starting my teacher career as an 8th grade teacher, I was drawn to the relationships built that have lasted to present day. It's been such a blessing to witness my biggest troublemakers go off to college and find success in their respective fields. In my 7 years of teaching, my desire to build relationships and support students/families outside of the classroom has only gotten stronger with each new batch of students. Of course teaching curriculum was important but building relationships was second nature to me. There was no success in my classroom without building positive rapport and intrinsic motivation. I finally pulled the trigger because age and loans no longer could be excuses. I was still getting older and still paying off my loans. I might as well get older while doing what I'm most passionate about! Our societal culture is changing where mental health is now becoming a top priority and as I continue my mental health journey, I want to equip the younger generation with the tools they can eventually impart to those around them.
To make sure I'm functioning at my personal best, I love to frequent Disneyland. I also love to play the guitar, paint, and bake. When I want to mindlessly relax, you can find me jumping in between HGTV or trashy reality TV (Bachelor nation!)
Major: Elementary Education
Graduate Education: University of Southern California
Major: Differing Abilities
Hey everyone! My name is Priscilla Park and I was born and raised in the best city in the U.S, Chicago. As a 2nd generation Korean, mental health was and is such a taboo subject. It's frowned upon if someone in our culture decides to go to therapy because our immigrant parents fear that others will perceive us as "having issues." Starting my teacher career as an 8th grade teacher, I was drawn to the relationships built that have lasted to present day. It's been such a blessing to witness my biggest troublemakers go off to college and find success in their respective fields. In my 7 years of teaching, my desire to build relationships and support students/families outside of the classroom has only gotten stronger with each new batch of students. Of course teaching curriculum was important but building relationships was second nature to me. There was no success in my classroom without building positive rapport and intrinsic motivation. I finally pulled the trigger because age and loans no longer could be excuses. I was still getting older and still paying off my loans. I might as well get older while doing what I'm most passionate about! Our societal culture is changing where mental health is now becoming a top priority and as I continue my mental health journey, I want to equip the younger generation with the tools they can eventually impart to those around them.
To make sure I'm functioning at my personal best, I love to frequent Disneyland. I also love to play the guitar, paint, and bake. When I want to mindlessly relax, you can find me jumping in between HGTV or trashy reality TV (Bachelor nation!)
Rachel Rush
Undergraduate Education:
University of Oregon
Major: International Studies
Teaching Credential: CSULB
My name is Rachel and I am from Hermosa Beach. I have been an elementary teacher for seven years in the Southbay. Through education and my own yoga practice, I got really into practicing and teaching mindfulness. I am a certified mindfulness and yoga teacher and currently teach kids and teen classes. Mindfulness led me to an interest in the mental health side of education and counseling. I am so excited to be pursuing school counseling, as it really seems to bring all of my interests together. My goal is to reach the students that typically get left behind or overlooked in a school setting. I hope to bring more wellness and mental health awareness into education. I love being outdoors, hiking, traveling and walking my dog by the beach.
University of Oregon
Major: International Studies
Teaching Credential: CSULB
My name is Rachel and I am from Hermosa Beach. I have been an elementary teacher for seven years in the Southbay. Through education and my own yoga practice, I got really into practicing and teaching mindfulness. I am a certified mindfulness and yoga teacher and currently teach kids and teen classes. Mindfulness led me to an interest in the mental health side of education and counseling. I am so excited to be pursuing school counseling, as it really seems to bring all of my interests together. My goal is to reach the students that typically get left behind or overlooked in a school setting. I hope to bring more wellness and mental health awareness into education. I love being outdoors, hiking, traveling and walking my dog by the beach.
Norma Salinas
Hello! My name is Norma Salinas and I'm from Oaxaca, Mexico however I was raised here in the beautiful city of Long Beach! Being an undocu first-generation student came with its hurdles but with a variety of counselors help I am proud to be pursuing my School Counseling degree. This was just an initial interest in this career path. My passion really came out from surrounding myself with the community! I was honored to volunteer with LBlast, YMCA, and worked with Long Beach City’s Parks & Recreation Department. Here I gained skills necessary to work with a diverse student population and their families. As an advocate for first-generation and undocumented students I took the role of mentorship with the Educational Opportunity Program and the Dream Success Center at CSULB. As a future school counselor my goal is to become a stepping-stone for student success to the diverse K-12 underrepresented students! During my free time some personal hobbies I enjoy doing are scrapbooking, doing puzzles, visiting new food spots, and volunteering!
Isabel Villalpando
Hi everyone! My name is Isabel Villalpando and I am a first-generation Latina college graduate. I graduated from UC Irvine Spring 2021 and double majored in Sociology and Education Sciences with a specialization in Early Childhood Learning and Development. During my free time I enjoy watching sunsets, going out for walks, exploring new places, dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends. I was raised in Carson, CA in a Mexican family household of six consisting of two older sisters and one younger brother. I am the second one in my family to pursue a Master’s Degree and am very excited to learn and meet new people along this journey.
I want to be a school counselor to support students from underserved communities and motivate them to reach their full academic potential and long term goals. I want to be an educational advocate who strives to eliminate racial stigmas and promotes equal opportunities for all students. I hope to promote resilience, guide students through their educational journeys and provide resources that will allow all students to be successful in their futures.
I want to be a school counselor to support students from underserved communities and motivate them to reach their full academic potential and long term goals. I want to be an educational advocate who strives to eliminate racial stigmas and promotes equal opportunities for all students. I hope to promote resilience, guide students through their educational journeys and provide resources that will allow all students to be successful in their futures.
Elyssa Aguilar
My name is Elyssa Aguilar. I started my journey at Golden West College, transferred to CSULB and graduated with a B.A in Sociology in 2018. I am a first gen Mexican American student and I have felt so privileged to be back at CSULB for my masters! I was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA and continue to reside there with my parents, little sister and german shepherd Russel! During my free time I love spending time with my family, friends, and traveling with my partner. I always knew I wanted to work closely with children on a school campus but I wasn’t sure in what way, for a long time. I worked in the mental health field for almost 2 years and that experience led me to the path that I am on right now. As a school counselor I hope to be a strong support system for underserved students in low-income communities.