In celebration of National School Counseling Week, CUSD Insider is showcasing profiles of the fantastic counselors we have throughout the District.
Today we are highlighting Michelle Zides, Counselor at Dana Hills High School.
Q: How long have you worked in CUSD?
A: Six years
Q: Describe your role in supporting student success at your school or in your department.
A: As a counselor I support the three domains for student outcomes: academic, college and career, and social emotional.
Q: What role do you play in the MTSS framework? How does this program benefit students in your opinion?
A: As a school counselor we provide both direct and indirect services at all three tiers in the MTSS framework:
Tier 1- interventions in the form of classroom instruction and schoolwide programming and initiatives.
Tier 2- interventions including individual counseling, consultation and collaboration with school personnel, families and community stakeholders.
Tier 3- indirect student support services through consultation, collaboration and facilitation of referrals.
Q: How long have you worked professionally in school counseling?
A: I have worked as a school counselor for over 10 years and was a teacher for 15 years prior to that. I worked in Palm Springs Unified, Val Verde Unified, Temecula Unified and then Capistrano Unified.
Q: What college degrees and professional certifications do you hold?
A: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, SLO. I earned my teaching credentials in Biological Sciences with my Clad credential from Cal State San Bernardino. I earned my Masters in Educational Counseling and PPS credential from Azusa Pacific University.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about counseling work?
A: Working with students and encouraging them to reach their goals and aspirations. Helping a student believe in themselves when they feel that no one believes in them. The relationship that is developed from assisting students with all of their needs from academic, to college and career and understanding the third component, the social emotional, and how that impacts the first two. All three areas need to be addressed for student success and comprehensive counseling programs allow for that to occur.
Q: Is there a program that CUSD utilizes that is especially beneficial to student support?
A: The health and wellness center is extremely supportive in assisting our students and their mental health needs.
Q: How do counselors in CUSD help support one another?
A: We rely on each other heavily. I feel blessed with not only my counseling team at my site, but the relationships I have with my fellow counselors throughout the district. We collaborate well and are always welcome to share ideas and brainstorm solutions. I also feel blessed to have support from our District Office personnel, specifically Cuco Gracian and Omero Corral. They allow the space for us to communicate with each other, provide quick feedback and by utilizing our advisory council ensure that we are always improving our practices to best support our students.
Q: What is the one thing you would want families to know about your role in student success that they might not be aware of?
A: We are a part of the village here to support our students.
Q: Please add anything additional on any topic not covered in previous questions.
A: As part of my counseling duties I am a representative on the CUSD Counseling advisory team. This group meets once a month to discuss counseling related topics at all levels to ensure that we are providing the most updated comprehensive counseling program in the district. We review policy, professional standards (ASCA model), professional development opportunities and collaborate with counselors at each level along with district personnel to enhance the CUSD counseling program for all students and families. We address any concerns brought forth and brainstorm resolutions to ensure consistency across all schools and provide leadership and communication so all voices are heard.