Marina Vega I studied at Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles (MSMU) in their Marriage and Family Therapy program. In my free time, I like to engage in yoga, hiking, long-distance walking/trekking, reading, writing, learning about different cultures, and traveling. A fun fact about me is that I lived abroad in the UK for 11 years. I arrived back in the summer of 2023. In addition to my role as a CPLA counselor, I am a TA for a graduate class at my university and a trained yoga and sound bath teacher. In ten years, it is my goal to have published my book, be writing another one, have finished my PhD, be working in private practice, and teaching at a university. I arrived at CPLA not realizing the impact it would have on me. I worked in education for nearly two decades and was looking for a change, however, after my interview with Therese, it just felt right, and I knew this was where I was meant to be. What I love about CPLA is the support. If ever I have felt unsure or had a wobble about a decision I've made, I've had the support, communication, and care from everyone on the team - my FSP, supervisors, Therese, etc. I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to complete my practicum with CPLA. It is amazing to work at CPLA. I want the children I treat to feel seen by me and to know that they matter. Isabella Salerno I studied at Pepperdine University's MFT Program. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking with my dog, and traveling with my fiancé and family! A fun fact about myself is that I got 1st place at a rodeo competition in Montana when I was 8 years old— I still have the horse shoe to prove it! 🤠 In college, I nannied and I worked at OsteoStrong, helping older adults improve their bone health. Right now, I’m focused on being a full-time Pepperdine student and CPLA trainee! In 10 years, I see myself owning a private practice for couples, convincing my fiancé to get just one more very large (slobbery) dog, and I also have a goal of writing an NYT best-seller. I wanted to work at CPLA because I love a challenge! I did not see myself working with children in the future, so I wanted to throw myself into a program that fostered hope, resilience, and nurturance for the mental health of future adults— maybe the same adults I would see one day. I felt trust and hope in the foundation of CPLA, and wanted to contribute to that mission. I truly love the people that surround me. From my supervision peers and supervisors to the leadership team to my co-counselor, I feel reminded every day that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I’m grateful for the support provided throughout my CPLA experience, and I am especially grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. And there has been a LOT of learning and growing! Helping these children through CPLA is a direct way to impact the community, through them and through myself. My ability to help even one child honor themselves, navigate this world, and feel emotionally safe is something beautiful and challenging. The second it becomes easier is when the child who never made eye contact comes into the room with an ear-to-ear grin, telling you that you helped them finally feel like they deserve to take up space in the world. Kiddos like these make their community a better place by finding new reasons to smile at themselves and others. These children push me towards more wonder, more curiosity, and more kindness every day. In turn, I know I might be changing the world right alongside them. Montserrat Torres I am currently studying at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles for my MFT degree! In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, and exploring new places. The two destinations I’d love to visit most are Greece and Italy! A fun fact about me is that I enjoy cooking for my loved ones and experimenting with recipes until I perfect them! Right now, my favorite cuisine to cook and explore is Mediterranean, though it changes from time to time. In addition to my role as a counselor at CPLA, I currently work for an after-school program, where I have the opportunity to work with children of all ages, from pre-K to middle school. I enjoy engaging with them and learning about their unique interests and personalities. In 10 years, I aspire to have my own private practice, where I can work with adults from diverse backgrounds. I also hope to travel in the future and explore different places around the world! I wanted to work for CPLA because I’ve heard great things about the support and dedication of the counselors. Having attended Catholic schools myself, I’m eager to give back to the communities that have played a role in getting me where I am today. I love the community and support that I have been able to get. I am fortunate enough to know several counselors and I love that I get to collaborate and get input from different perspectives. I hope to create a safe and supportive space where children feel comfortable opening up. My goal is to help them work toward their aspirations while encouraging them to express their emotions freely. Jackie Ziomek I am currently a student at Grand Canyon University. In my free time, I love to bake and hang out with my toddler. Thanks to my toddler, I’ve become a truck enthusiast! I can tell you all about a combine harvester and the largest dump truck in the world—perfect material for riveting dinner party conversation. I have primarily worked in education in various roles since earning my undergrad degree. Currently, when I’m not with CPLA, I work at another Catholic school. While I truly love working with children, my favorite role above all else has to be being a mom. I wanted to work at CPLA because having spent many years working in private Catholic schools, it serves felt like the perfect fit. I knew I wanted to work with children, and this opportunity just felt right. Working with students in this capacity has been such a joy. Anyone who has worked with children knows that no two days are the same—and, more often than not, we learn just as much from them as they do from us. In fact, one of my clients even taught me how to play chess! He may regret it now, though, because I’ve become quite the competitor. In 10 years, I can't say with certainty where I’ll be, but I hope to be working with children in some capacity, particularly in mental health. I also hope my son has a sibling or two—and maybe even a dog. Saaniyah Tomlinson I'm currently a Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology department. I love music, specifically R&B, alternative, and dance music. I enjoy going on walks and trying new cafes. I also love to travel, my favorite place I’ve been is Ghana. A fun fact about myself is hat I've travele to I’ve traveled to 19 countries. In addition to CPLA, I work as a graduate assistant at my graduate school. Previously I worked as a Supportive Living Assistant for 6 years. Prior to going to Pepperdine, I did a year of service as a Teacher’s Aid and Student Support Coach. This experience, plus many others, encouraged me to be a therapist. In 10 years, I see myself as a psychologist, holding a Ph.D. in Psychology, and studying the impact of racism and sexism on young black girls in grade school. I hope to be living in a strong community, traveling, and starting a family of my own. I want to be a child counselor, and believe that working in a school is the best way to help children and their families. It’s an accessible and free way for families to receive mental health care for their children. I love how CPLA has a holistic care model that encourages working with the child, parents, and teachers to provide the best care. I love that every person I encounter at CPLA genuinely cares about the students, from the counselors to directors. Moreover, the school I’m at is amazing. The school staff work hard for the students everyday and it encourages me to do my best for the students also. I hope that at least one child can walk away from my office, knowing that they matter. Not only to others, but themselves. That they can find comfort and peace within themselves, enough to weather the storms of life. Reina Nadeau I'm currently at student at Antioch University. My hobbies include watching basketball (go Lakers!), going boxing, and baking pastries. Something I've been passionate about my whole life is video games :) A fun fact about myself is that my favorite Pokémon is Sableye (and I have a shiny one!). In addition to my role at CPLA, I volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for youth in the foster care system and at The American Red Cross's Service to the Armed Forces. In 10 years, I see myself as a licensed therapist who also teaches graduate-level psychology courses. I'm passionate about bridging cultural gaps in mental health care, so I hope to be actively involved in supporting adolescents, families, and communities facing stigma around mental health. I also see myself continuing to learn, grow, and enjoy life—hopefully with lots of travel and quality time with my loved ones and dogs. I wanted to work for CPLA because a professor I highly look up to knew Therese and spoke incredibly highly about CPLA, emphasizing the supportive environment and extensive training provided. I love the support and guidance I've received from my amazing clinical supervisors and my FSP, Marilyn. They've been so crucial to my growth as a trainee and I am so lucky to have them. I hope to create a space everyday where every student feels genuinely seen, heard, and valued—especially those who might otherwise feel overlooked or misunderstood. I try to foster resilience, confidence, and hope, ultimately helping clients feel empowered to face life's challenges. Sarah Hwang I studied at Fuller Theological Seminary for my MFT degree. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, playing with my three young children. A fun fact about myself is that I practiced tae kwon do for fifteen years and competed nationally as a child. I am also a "recovering" attorney and a full-time mom to three human littles, an overactive dog, and an anxious cat. In 10 years, I see myself continuing to pour into my family and clients, while also investing in my own acceptance and care. I wanted to work at CPLA because I have always loved working and volunteering with children. To be able to do so in a therapeutic setting with the support of the school and CPLA seemed like an incredible way to begin my training. The support that CPLA provides is exceptional. I feel secure in knowing that no matter the context, I have someone I can reach out to and that my mistakes are not judged negatively. CPLA gives me the opportunity to Empower students to recognize their own agency, even if it is limited in the scope of their day to day life. Nadia Cardoso I am currently studying at Arizona State University for my MSW degree. One of my biggest passions is child safety—it’s what drives me every day in my work as a counselor. I’m committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive. Outside of work, I love hiking, especially when it leads to waterfalls. There’s something really peaceful and rewarding about being in nature and discovering new places. Hiking helps me recharge and stay balanced, which in turn helps me bring my best self to my work. A fun fact about me is that I wanted to pursue a degree in culinary arts. I enrolled but only attended a week! In addition to my role at CPLA, I have been a Wraparound Facilitator for the past 5 years working in Downtown Los Angeles. In ten years, I want to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This experience has shown me that I might want to return one's license to a school setting. I wanted to work for CPLA because I wanted to provide counseling for children. I wanted to be in a supportive and caring environment where I could learn and enhance my counseling skills. The combination of professional development and meaningful work makes CPLA an inspiring place. The company culture aligns with my values, and it's fulfilling to know that my work makes a tangible impact on our community. What I love about working at CPLA is the opportunity to counsel and support students, helping them navigate their challenges. I value the collaborative environment here, especially the group and individual supervision sessions, where I learn from my colleagues and continue to grow my clinical skills. CPLA’s sensitivity to the community's needs also stands out to me—it's rewarding to work for an organization that is genuinely committed to making a positive impact and striving for equality. I also appreciate the company's commitment to professional development. I hope to change the world by planting seeds of love and hope in children and youth, helping them grow with the confidence and strength they need to face life’s challenges. I also want to provide support and education to parents, empowering them to be the best caregivers they can be for their children. By strengthening families and nurturing the next generation, I believe we can create a more compassionate and resilient world, one child at a time. Danielle Peretz I am studying clinical psychology at Antioch University. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, ocean paddeling, and reading. A fun fact about me is that I attended 13 grade schools around the world. I've transitioned from a successful career in the entertainment/advertising industry. I recently joined the Latham Centers Board of Directors. Latham Centers is a school and adult program that specializes in supporting individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome. My 20 year old son has this diagnosis and attends the school residential program. In 10 years, I would like to have my own highly successful and thriving private practice. I wanted to work with children in lower income and under served communities. I love the popultion I work with (TK-8th grade). I love the school I'm woriking at (Nativity School). I love the support and insight I get from the CPLA team. I hope to change the world by being a calm and grounding presence for each of my clients. Natalie Hannan I am currently a student at California Baptist University. Some of my passions and hobbies include paddle boarding and running for exercise. I love to serve at my church on the worship team and in the children's ministry. I love to bake and cook. I love to read. A fun fact about myself is that I love to sing! In addition to my role at CPLA, I am a volunteer at the Los Alamitos Police Department and assist them with their Peer Support program. In ten years, I I hope to see myself working as an LMFT with first responders. I decided to become a CPLA counselor because I love working with children, and I wanted to help kids who are suffering from various circumstances to cope with their emotions, and build a firm foundation that they can stand on when faced with difficult trials. I love building relationships with the kids and seeing them apply the therapeutic interventions we have worked on together to their lives. I hope to change the world by comforting people in their time of need and helping them work through challenging situations. I have hope in Jesus and the eternal promises that He has made. While I may not be able to explicitly share this with individuals, I hope to help people feel comforted when they are faced with difficult circumstances. Marina Alfaro I am currently a student at Pepperdine University. I love working out and staying active—I usually work out 4 to 5 times a week. Being in nature is really grounding for me, so I enjoy hiking whenever I can. I also have a lot of fun exploring new recipes I find on social media—cooking has become a creative outlet and a way to unwind. And I absolutely love going to concerts—live music is one of my favorite ways to connect, recharge, and just enjoy the moment. A fun fact about me is that I worked at a mortuary during the pandemic as a Mortuary Office Specialist—which definitely makes for some interesting stories! (But if that feels a little too morbid, I also love collecting Snoopy memorabilia—my collection keeps growing!). I currently do not hold any other positions, as I chose to dedicate my full time and attention to CPLA, outside of my graduate studies. Before joining CPLA, I worked as an Office Coordinator at a DMH-funded inpatient facility, where I gained valuable insight into the business side of mental health. I had the opportunity to learn about administrative operations, including the auditing process from city to state levels. That experience gave me a well-rounded understanding of how mental health services are structured and delivered, which continues to inform my work as a counselor today. In 10 years, I see myself as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and possibly holding a PsyD—I'm still exploring that path. My goal is to either open my own private practice or join a group practice, while continuing to serve the community. I'm especially passionate about working with underserved populations, including individuals who are incarcerated and transitioning back into society, as well as those living with severe mental illness. I hope to make a lasting impact by providing compassionate, accessible, and empowering mental health care. I chose CPLA as my practicum site because of its strong reputation for both the support it offers interns and its commitment to serving children with care and compassion. I knew I wanted to challenge myself by working with kids, and CPLA stood out as an organization that not only provides excellent training and supervision, but also aligns with my values around creating safe, empowering spaces for young people. What I love most about working at CPLA is the incredible support system—from my supervisors and FSP to my cohort. Everyone has played a role in making this experience not only smoother but truly inspiring. I also feel so grateful for my school site placement; the community has been incredibly welcoming and warm, which has made it such a meaningful space to grow as a counselor. I hope to be able to provide a safe, warm, and welcoming space where a child can feel empowered to be their true, authentic self. I want to help them build understanding and clarity around who they are, and most importantly, to nurture self-compassion. I also hope to model what empathy, emotional safety, and resilience look like—especially for children who may not have experienced that in other spaces. Helping even one child feel seen, heard, and valued can shift the trajectory of their life, and that’s the kind of impact I strive for every day. Noelle Liles I am currently a student at Pepperdine University. I love reading, painting, watching movies, and hanging out with my partner, friends, and cats! A fun fact about me is that I was an art teacher for 7 years before starting my journey as a therapist! I am also originally from Texas and moved to Southern California to attend Pepperdine's graduate program! In 10 years, I see myself working with couples and families! I am still discovering and exploring my specific passions within the mental health field. I wanted to work for CPLA in order to have a positive impact on children's lives and the school system as a whole. I love the freedom to explore various therapeutic interventions, the community both CPLA and my school site provide, and the amazing supervisors! I hope to help young people find their voice, appreciate their strengths, and embrace their individuality so that they can grow into kind and confident adults! Lauren Alpanian I am a student at Golden Gate University for my MFT and PCC degrees. Some of my passions and hobbies include hiking, reading, puzzles, and gardening. I’m passionate about mental health and I love blending traditional therapy techniques with holistic wellness practices to create a well-rounded approach for the people I work with. Currently, I am focused on my role as a trainee therapist as I continue building my experience in the mental health field. In 10 years, I see myself as a licensed therapist with a private practice, creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. I hope to continue learning and expanding my skills, maybe even specializing in a few areas I’m passionate about. I’d love to also incorporate more holistic wellness into my work, finding ways to support the whole person, not just the symptoms. Overall, I just hope I’m continuing to do meaningful work that really makes a difference in people’s lives. I wanted to work for CPLA because I really believe in the mission of increasing access to mental health services in schools. I was drawn to the opportunity to grow as a clinician while also being part of something meaningful and helping children build emotional tools early on that can make an impact the rest of their lives. It felt like the kind of work that aligned deeply with both my values and my long-term goals. What I love most about working at CPLA is being able to show up for students in a consistent and supportive way. I also really appreciate the support from the CPLA team; it’s a place where I feel like I’m growing not just as a clinician, but as a person too. I hope to change the world by helping children feel seen, heard, and understood, especially the ones who might not always have that in their daily lives. Being able to create a space where they feel safe to express themselves, build confidence, and process their emotions can have a lasting impact. I truly believe that when a child feels supported, it plants a seed that can grow into resilience, self-worth, and the ability to thrive. If I can be even a small part of that process, that’s the kind of change I want to make Yumi Lee I am a student at Southern California Seminary. Helping others find healing has always been my passion — it’s what led me to become a therapist. I love learning through podcasts on therapy and family dynamics, doing Pilates to stay grounded, and ending the day with a walk with my husband to reset and reconnect. I’m usually very serious and thoughtful, but once I feel safe and close to someone, my silly side comes out. I love mimicking celebrities and doing impressions of their voices — it always makes people laugh! I wear many hats — mom of two teens (one heading to college 🎓), grad student, school counselor, and a leader in my immigrant church community. Each role teaches me patience, empathy, and how to show up with authenticity. Whether at home, church, or school, I’m growing, grounding, and connecting — one day at a time. In 10 years, I hope to be like a tree — rooted, steady, and a safe place for others to rest. 🌳 Not here to fix people, but to walk beside them with compassion and grace. Quietly growing, offering strength and peace just by being present. I was drawn to CPLA because I believe schools are where so much of a child’s emotional life unfolds. With my art background, I use creative expression to help kids process what they can’t always say in words. As a mom of two, I understand both the child’s world and the parent’s challenges — and I love helping bridge that gap with care and compassion. I love working at CPLA because it’s a place where I continue to grow every day as a therapist. Whenever I need support or guidance, I know I can count on my supervisor and FSP, who provide thoughtful feedback and encouragement. I also deeply value the insights and shared experiences from my supervision group members — learning from them reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey. And most of all, I love working with children in a school setting. Watching them gradually open up, build trust, and grow is such a rewarding experience. It’s a privilege to be part of their world, even for a short time. I may not change the whole world, but I can make a difference in one child’s world — and that’s enough. By showing up with kindness, listening without judgment, and helping them feel safe and seen, healing begins. One child, one heart at a time. Claudia Ruvulcaba I studied at Mount St. Mary's University for my counseling degree. In my free time, I enjoy watching films and documentaries, and I also love going for walks. I originally aspired to pursue a career in law enforcement and even went through the application and testing process, but ultimately, I chose not to attend the interview, realizing my passion lay elsewhere, in advocacy and therapy. The most important role I hold is being a mother to my three children (and one fur baby) and a wife to my husband. In addition, I currently serve as the Victim Services Coordinator for a non-profit organization that supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. I am deeply passionate about this work, as it allows me to walk alongside my clients in their healing journeys and support them in reclaiming their voices. In 10 years, I see myself as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a thriving private practice, offering trauma-informed and relational care to individuals, couples, and families. I plan to continue supporting survivors of trauma and advocating for mental health awareness within underserved communities. I wanted to work for Counseling Partners of Los Angeles because their mission aligns deeply with my passion for mental health advocacy and trauma-informed care, especially within underserved communities. I was inspired by the organization’s commitment to providing accessible, culturally responsive support to youth and families, something I believe is essential to breaking generational cycles of trauma. What I love about working at CPLA is the opportunity to grow as a mental health therapist while being part of a team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families. The organization’s focus on culturally responsive, trauma-informed care aligns with my values, and I’m excited to be in an environment where I can expand my skills and contribute to the healing process of those we serve. I hope to change the world by creating spaces where people, especially children, feel seen, heard, and safe. I want them to know their voice matters and that healing is possible. Through trauma-informed care and compassionate connection, my goal is to help break generational curses and cycles of pain, empowering individuals to write new, hopeful stories for themselves. If I can help even one child believe they are worthy of love, stability, and a brighter future, then I know I’ve made a meaningful difference. Luis "Urban" Diaz I am studying for my PCC at Grand Canyon University. Some of my passions and hobbies include playing basketball, snowboarding during the winter months, and visiting Disneyland whenever I get the chance and it’s a place where I can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. I also have a strong interest in researching behavior and science, especially understanding what drives human actions and decision-making. In my free time, I love to cook; experimenting with different ingredients and recipes helps me unwind and express creativity. A fun fact about me is that I played college basketball on a scholarship and, after graduating, I was contracted for 10 days with the South Bay Lakers. It was an incredible experience that combined my passion for the sport with professional-level play. I’m currently a crisis counselor working in collaboration with the LAPD and the Sheriff's Department, where I provide mental health support in high-stress situations. Before transitioning into the mental health field, I served as a COVID-19 emergency nurse during the height of the pandemic. That experience deeply shaped my commitment to helping people in crisis and reinforced my passion for behavioral science and trauma-informed care. In 10 years, I see myself having earned my Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and working as a licensed psychologist. My goal is to serve within correctional facilities and school systems, where I can contribute to building more effective, trauma-informed services for both adults and children. I’m passionate about creating long-term, systemic change that supports healing, resilience, and mental well-being in underserved populations. I wanted to work for CPLA because I believe deeply in its mission to provide accessible mental health services to underserved students. As someone with a background in crisis counseling and a strong passion for trauma-informed care, I felt aligned with CPLA’s commitment to supporting the whole child emotionally, socially, and academically. Working with CPLA gives me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in school communities, advocate for mental wellness, and help students navigate life’s challenges with the support they deserve. What I love most about working at CPLA is the opportunity to make a real difference in students' lives every day. Being part of a mission-driven team that values empathy, equity, and culturally responsive care is incredibly fulfilling. I appreciate how CPLA fosters collaboration, provides strong clinical support, and emphasizes the importance of building trust within school communities. It’s inspiring to see students grow emotionally and develop the tools they need to thrive—not just in school, but in life. I hope to change the world by being a consistent and compassionate presence for those who feel unheard or overlooked especially children. If I can help even one child feel safe, understood, and empowered to heal from trauma, then I’ve made a meaningful impact. My goal is to create spaces where young people can develop emotional resilience and believe in their potential, no matter what challenges they’ve faced. Alison Houghton-Kral I studied at University of the West for my counseling degree. I have always been passionate about traveling, I am a devoted foodie and espresso drinker. I am a reader and have a bit of thing for Scandi Noir. I am very passionate about Suicide Prevention as well as homelessness issues and have worked in shelters for many years with my church community. A fun fact about me is that In my twenties I backpacked through Asian, Eastern and Western Europe for two years. I am currently a Supervisor at the Suicide Prevention Center Didi Hirsch and have been for the last three years, prior to that I was volunteer. In the past I have been an economist at the Australian Treasury, and in publishing in the UK specializing in emerging Eastern European markets. I was an Assistant Director of Distance Learning at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena. I am also a mother to two amazing young adults and regularly wrangle three cats. I want to work in community mental health with adolescents/young adults specializing in suicide prevention amongst this population in particular. I wanted to work for CPLA because I love working with adolescents and wanted to in particular work with underserved youth. I was also drawn to the opportunity to explore different modalities rather than specializing and that has been a tremendous growing experience for me as a clinician. Someone from my University had work at CPLA and spoke so highly of the support she got within the organization and I am so incredibly glad that I listened to her. Meeting Therese clinched the deal, her passion and dedication to the youth of LA is an inspiration. CPLA has been an amazing experience. From the support of the school site itself where I could not have had more encouragement from the Principal and staff, to my FSP Katie to my amazing supervisors. I have felt completely supported in every way possible. When there have been crises the support has been immediate, and only a phone call away. I have had such an incredible training in this past year I cannot put words to it. But most of all I have loved working with the teens they have enriched my life beyond measure. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I want a child to know that they are not alone, that they are loved and cared for. I want them to feel seen, heard and validated. If we can help children both know and feel they are loved how much better would this word be. Dariana Lopez I am currently a master's student at CSUN studying for my PCC degree. Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking, trying new food places, spending quality time with my loved ones, and going to concerts. 1. A fun fact about me is that I’m always up for trying new foods and discovering hidden gems in the city with my boyfriend. Another fun fact about me is that when I was in 9th grade, I got pranked by my favorite band, R5, and ended up in one of their videos on YouTube. I am currently a school counseling intern at both a middle school and high school, where I support students academically, socially, and emotionally as they work toward achieving their educational goals. I have the privilege of working alongside three incredible counselors, one of whom was actually my own high school counselor and a major inspiration for me pursuing this career. In 10 years, I see myself as a school counselor and a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), using both roles to support students' mental health and overall development. I hope to be in a leadership position where I can influence school policies, create impactful programs, and mentor future counselors. I wanted to work with CPLA because of its strong commitment to supporting mental health in school environments. Many students go through challenges without having someone to truly listen or support them, and I believe it’s so important to fill that gap. I love being that person students can turn to, helping them grow, feel seen, and ultimately make a meaningful impact in their lives. I love that CPLA operates within a school environment. As someone pursuing a career in school counseling, this opportunity allows me to gain clinical experience while working directly with students in an educational setting. I truly enjoy supporting students' social-emotional development and applying what I’ve learned in real-time. Most of all, I love the diversity of the student population and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their lives. I would change the world by creating spaces where every young person feels heard, supported, and valued. I believe change starts with empathy, so I would work to ensure that students, especially those who feel overlooked, have access to the emotional and mental health support they need to thrive. Guadalupe Morfin I am currently a student at University of Mary in North Dakota. Some of my passions include include jiu jitsu, sudoku, and talking! A fun fact about me is that I cannot tell jokes, but I think I am hilarious. Sadly, only one other person would agree that I am funny and that is my best friend haha. In addition to my role at CPLA, I am a behavioral health specialist for school aged children. In 10 years, I see myself with my own family working a LPCC providing preventative care for families. My dream is to increase coping skills and effective communication and through that decrease abuse. I wanted to work for CPLA because I heard so many great things about the support provided, I have worked in many mental health agencies, support is usually not there. What I love about working at CPLA is the kids. They are willing to engage and make a difference within themselves and their school community. Another is supervision as I am able to learn so much through the wisdom of my supervisors and peers. I would like to help build self-esteem and confidence through using the child's strengths. I would also like to advocate for the importance of mental health in order for people to see it out without shame. Brittney Martinez I studied at USC for my MFT degree. During my free time, I love working out. I have a passion for physical movement whether it's going to the gym, running, or going for a walk outside! A fun fact about myself is that last year, I went skydiving and I would do it again! Currently, I don't hold any other positions but I have thought about becoming a fitness personal trainer! In 10 years, I see myself integrating therapy and fitness with clients. I have also considered starting my private practice with colleagues.
I wanted to work at CPLA to support children in any challenges they were facing. I love the support that CPLA offers. Whenever I needed support, I knew I could reach out to the CPLA team for guidance. My hope is to make a impact by advocating for my clients and providing a safe space where they feel heard and understood.
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