School Counseling Week Highlights

February 7-11 is National School Counseling Week. This week we celebrate and acknowledge our School Counselors who provide emotional support and academic guidance to our K-12 students. We are honored to highlight three of our M.A. School Counseling Alumni: Amy Ramirez (counselor at Lakeview Charter High School), Issa Makhlouf (counselor at Morgan Hill Unified School District), and Araxi Dertavitian (counselor at Hoover High School).

Why did you choose a career in School Counseling?

Amy: While I was an undergraduate student at CSUN, I worked as a student assistant in the Outreach and Recruitment office under a GEAR-UP Grant. I was part of an amazing team that helped low-income, first-generation students graduate high school and pursue college. After graduation, I began working for PUC Schools as a Student Services Coordinator where I helped students with anti-bullying techniques, conflict resolution, mental health coping skills, and much more. These jobs helped me realize how much I love helping K-12 students in my community. School counseling was the perfect career choice for me and it feels validating to be where I am today.

Issa: I choose a career in School Counseling because of my strong desire in helping students with the challenges they face in their daily lives. In addition, knowing that I played a part in affecting the life of another human being is very rewarding. Being a School Counselor has helped me grow personally and professionally, and I am very honored to assist my students with their academic developments, their social/emotional needs, and emphasizing the importance of education by helping them set goals for their future.

Araxi: I chose a career in school counseling because it offered me the opportunity to work with youth in various capacities, from college/career exploration to providing social/emotional support. Each day is different and an opportunity to continue learning from both my colleagues and our incredible students.

In one word, describe school counselors.

Amy: Adaptable

Issa: Advocates

Araxi: Adaptable

Finish the following statements…

School counselors and other school-based mental health professionals are better together because…

Amy: …we have the skills to help students academically and social-emotionally.

Issa: …we make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, help them navigate difficult challenges, and highlight the importance of self-care.

Araxi: …working closely allows us to address our students’ mental health needs by providing both preventative and responsive support.

Principal Jorge Beas and Amy Ramirez

 School counselors and administrators are better together because…

Amy: …we can support each other to better support our students.

Issa: …we create a safe environment for our students and offer them choices to make the school better.

Araxi: …our collaboration helps us create systems of support to better serve our students and their families.

School counselors and teachers are better together because….

Amy: …we can teach the students the fundamentals to thrive post-high school!

Issa: …we help students learn the importance of decision-making and play an important part of their lives as an influential role model. 

Araxi: …we can help each other understand our students’ needs, and address their unique needs.

Araxi Dertavitian

School counselors and teachers are better together because…. 

Amy: …we can teach the students the fundamentals to thrive post-high school!

Issa: …we help students learn the importance of decision-making and play an important part of their lives as an influential role model. 

Araxi: …we can help each other understand our students’ needs, and address their unique needs.

School counselors and the community are better together because…

Amy: …as a team we can build better future leaders!

Issa: …we help students navigate their path towards success and make sure their needs are met.

Araxi: …our community partnerships provide our students access to more resources, and our communities thrive because of their investment.

School counselors are better together because…

Amy: …we work together to help students in their k-12 journey to help them become strong independent people!

Issa: …we advocate and ensure equity and access for all students.

Araxi: …you cannot do this job alone! I am so lucky to be part of an incredible counseling team.

Counselors Mrs. King (left), Issa Makhlouf (center), and Mrs. Jutta (right)

What do you hope for your students and the community you serve?

Amy: I wish for all of my students to be happy and proud of who they are! Helping them in their high school journey has been a pleasure and I hope they are able to be financially stable in a career they love. To my current students… you have persevered during these challenging times and I am so proud of all of your hard work. You are the reason I love my job!

Issa: I hope for my students to utilize the skills and techniques they are learning throughout their lives to have a successful future. Also, I want them to know that everyone is unique and is capable of doing great things. For the community, I hope they believe in their child’s education and to be present in their lives.

Araxi: My hope for my students is that they feel safe and supported anytime they pay a visit to my office. I also hope that they find something that they can be excited about and makes them look forward to coming to school every day. To the community I serve, I hope they know how much their partnership and support are appreciated, and contribute to the success of our students.

What advice do you have for candidates in School Counseling and or future School Counselors?

Amy: I would say time-management is very important. Managing grad school, internships/work, homework, and family/personal time can be hard, but having this skill will make your life easier. This skill also allows you to add self-care to your schedule!

Issa: Believe in yourself and know that you will change lives.

Araxi: I would say to always remember to keep students and families at the center of your work, and know your ASCA model!