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It's me, hi, I'm Mrs. G, it's me!
It's me, hi, I'm Mrs. G, it's me!
When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a waitress on roller skates when I grew up, but my actual job is SO much more fun! My name is Melissa Gillespie and I am so grateful to be the full-time counselor at Bay Laurel Elementary School. Prepare yourself for lots of exclamation points, fun resources, and all the data.
For us to work together, I think it's important that you get to know me, so here's some fun facts:
I have been a school counselor in LVUSD since August 2016, with my first 5 years being a Coyote at Calabasas High School and starting my life as a Bay Laurel Dolphin in August 2021 🐬
I was named the 2025 LA County School Counselor of the Year! 😁
Prior to being a school counselor, I worked in the nonprofit sector facilitating grief camps for children across the country. Grief and Loss are my areas of expertise and I even completed a death doula training in 2025.
My husband is my college sweetheart and the reason I now love football as deeply as I do 🏈 We have the one daughter, Sienna, who was born on May 4th (so I get to celebrate Star Wars at all times--WOO HOO I will)
I'm a walking map of Disneyland and can tell you where every single popcorn cart is located. Belle and Joy are my jam!
I love to bake, especially cookies 🍪
In my free time, you can find me with iced coffee in hand 🥤, either reading a book or working on writing one
I'm a proud Hufflepuff and have a lifelong love of Yellow
I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from Cal Poly, SLO; my Master's in School Counseling and PPS credential from USC; and an Admin credential from LVUSD's CenterEdX
Mrs. G's Counseling Goals
Mrs. G's Counseling Goals
As a counselor, my main goal has always been that students are happy, healthy, and safe. I want every student to know that no matter what, there is a grown-up on campus who is there to listen, support them through their struggles, and celebrate their successes. I believe in bringing joy to the work place, the power of art and play, and that people can be safe spaces.
As a member of ASCA and 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. To be a support to ALL students, I utilize classroom lessons, small groups, and individual interventions.
I feel so lucky to get to work with your students and know that we are all in this together (feel free to break out into the High School Musical song).
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