Role of Our School Counselors
Individual Student Planning: School counselors work with 9-12 students to identify short- and long-term academic, personal-social, and college and career goals. Utilizing these goals, counselors help students and families identify current and future courses of study, possible barriers to success, and solutions. In this way, school counselors and students are able to plan for goal-attainment while also reinforcing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Responsive Services: School counselors are able to provide assistance to students and schools in moments of need through individual and group or classroom lessons. By building relationships with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members, counselors are quickly able to respond to one child or an entire school with resources and support.
Consultation: The school counselor is available to parents, teachers, and other educational professionals to discuss student concerns and develop proactive plans for student achievement. School counselors are knowledgeable about the educational process; child and adolescent development; and local, state, and national resources. Through this collaboration and their awareness of the "whole" child, school counselors are able to build bridges to academic success.
Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, social/emotional development and college/career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. Learn more about The Role of the School Counselor.
Counselors
Ms. Brittany Oka
Last Names: A-Cq
Phone (619) 660-3087
email- boka@guhsd.net
Education
University of California San Diego (B.A. Human Development and B.A. Sociology)
Point Loma Nazarene University (M.A. Education - Counseling & Guidance)
Point Loma Nazarene University (PPS School Counseling)
Mrs. Tracy Leota
Last Names: Cr-G
Phone (619) 660-3043
email- tleota@guhsd.net
Education
San Diego State University (B.A. Mathematics, Minor in Physical Education)
California State University, East Bay (Teaching Credential)
National University M.S. (M.Ed. Educational Counseling)
National University (PPS School Counseling)
San Diego State University (Preliminary Administrative Credential)
Mrs. Heather Bowler- Thomas Last Names: H-Mi
Phone (619) 660-3047
email- hbowler-thomas@guhsd.net
Education
Northern Arizona University (B.S. Psychology)
Pepperdine University (M.A. Psychology)
University of Southern California (PPS School Counseling)
Mr. George Owitti
Last Names: Mo-Ro
Phone (619) 660-3046
email- gowitti@guhsd.net
Education
National University, BA (Interdisciplinary Studies)
National University, MS (M.Ed. Educational Counseling)
National University, PPS (School Counseling)
San Diego State University, (Preliminary Administrative Credential)
Mrs. Deanna Goldberg
Last Names: Ru-Z
Phone (619) 660-3045
email- dgoldberg@guhsd.net
Department Chair
Education
University of California, Los Angeles (B.A. Psychology, Emphasis in Diversified Liberal Arts)
University of San Diego (M.Ed. in Counseling, Emphasis in Adolescent Mental Health)
University of California, San Diego (PPS in School Counseling)
San Diego State University (Preliminary Administrative Credential)
Mrs. Missy Christenson
Student Success and Support Counselor
Phone (619) 660-3106
email- mwaters@guhsd.net
Education
State University of New York, New Paltz (B.S. Psychology)
National University, MS (M.Ed. Educational Counseling)
National University, PPS (School Counseling)
Ms. Brennie Schisler
Community Resource Counselor
Phone (619) 660-3103
email- bschisler@guhsd.net
Education
Loyola University (B.A. Psychology)
University of San Diego (M.Ed. in Counseling, School Counseling Specialization)
University of San Diego (PPS in School Counseling)