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Hi, I'm Marika Dundore!
Hi, I'm Marika Dundore!
I am honored to be your child's school counselor. Thank you for visiting the Counseling Corner!
This is my third year of having the best job on campus! Prior to counseling, I was as an elementary school teacher. While teaching, I discovered that my students performed better academically, socially and emotionally when I spent more time listening to students' needs, building personal relationships, and teaching soft skills like stress management, conflict resolution and emotion regulation. This proved to be my favorite part of the job, so I made a career switch! Now, school counseling enables me to continue teaching and supporting students while narrowing my focus on what I am most passionate about.
I look forward to getting to know you, so here are some facts about me!
I'm getting married in June 2026 to my fiance Marc!
I love dogs! I have a Havanese named Oliver and I throw him a birthday party every year.
I am half Swedish and bilingual. Growing up, I spent every other summer in the Swedish countryside with family.
I love making and enjoying food! My favorite things to bake are sourdough bread and chocolate chip cookies. I want to learn to make fresh pasta.
I love traveling and cruising! Traveling by ship is such a nice way to relax and see the world! I love only needing to unpack once. My favorite country to visit is Italy.
I love reading, especially historical fiction. My colleagues supply me with new books to read all the time!
I was an elementary school teacher for 4 years. Being a teacher is one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs. I love that elementary counseling still allows me to teach in classrooms!
I am a Gaucho (UCSB alum). I studied psychology as an undergrad and earned my teaching credential as a graduate student. I miss Santa Barbara and living near the beach!
My Counseling Goals
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.
I work with students individually, in small groups, and in TK-5 classroom lessons. I want students to feel seen and safe each day they step onto campus. Ultimately, I want students to know me as one of many trusted grown-ups on campus who is there to listen, teach them, support them in times of struggle, and celebrate their success.
The skills learned during these incredibly formative years lay the foundation for your child's future. I am honored to have the opportunity to partner with you in fostering your child's confidence and love of learning in these memorable elementary years!
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