About Me
Meet Mrs. Cato
Hello, my name is Hazelle Cato and I am so grateful to be the full-time school counselor at Chaparral Elementary! Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to become a pediatrician ... until my 2nd year in college when I realized, "hmmm - let's shake it up a bit." Melding my love of school and working with children brought me to my career as a school counselor. This is "heart-work" at its finest!
I enjoy getting to know your students, so I think it's equally important for you to know some fun facts about me, too:
I've been a school counselor since 2004! I began working in LVUSD in 2017 and eventually made my way to Chaparral as their first full-time elementary school counselor in the fall of 2021.
My husband and I have been together for a V.E.R.Y long time. He's a Southern gentleman trapped in California and he really is my best friend.
We have three children who all have their own personalities: Kaili (18 years old) our know-it-all mother-figure; Savannah (16 years old) the voracious reader; and Brandon (10 years old) our most outspoken, athletic, sarcastic child with the kindest heart.
I grew up in Oxnard in a military family. I'm an only child and am extremely close to my parents who still live in the same house I grew up in.
I'm a former college student-athlete. I played softball and was a pitcher and a 3rd baseman. And my son is the only one who plays my sport (yay - Team Mom!).
Some of my favorites: roller coasters, sushi, smoothies, reading, nectarines, and popsicles. Hmmm - could you tell I love food??
I earned my Bachelor's degree from UCLA, double-majoring in Biology and Psychology. I earned my Master's degree from Loyola Marymount University in School Counseling in addition to my PPS credential for Counseling.
My Counseling Goals
My main goal as a counselor is to provide social-emotional education, prevention, and intervention services to help students achieve academic success. I want to make sure students are happy, healthy, and safe. Students need to know that no matter what, there is a grown-up on campus (and there are many of us), who is there to listen, to support them through their struggles, and celebrate their successes! This grown-up is a safe space for all students!
As a member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), I work hard to follow the ASCA National Model, focusing on the 3 domains for student growth: Academic Development, Career Development, and Social-Emotional Development. I collaborate with staff members, parents, and the community to create a safe and caring school climate that supports ALL students. Throughout the school year, I work with students individually, in small groups, and in TK-5 classroom lessons.
I feel so lucky I get to work with your students during their incredible elementary school years!
