Meet Us
Who we are
As your counseling and social emotional support staff, we are here to help you with whatever you need! Whether that's someone to talk to or someone to provide guidance, just reach out. We're here to help make your time at our school as enjoyable as possible while helping you reach all of your academic and personal goals.
Ms. Ayala
School Counselor
Hello,
My name is Breanna Ayala and I am the School Counselor. You may call me Ms. Breanna or Ms. Ayala. I graduated from Merced College with my Associates in Child Development, May 2014. In 2020 I completed my Bachelors in Liberal Arts in hopes of becoming a teacher. I started my journey with MCOE in 2014 as an ASSETS associate, then moved to Early Ed as a special education instructional aide. Since 2017 I have been with Merced Scholars serving as their bilingual instructional aide. In that position I was able to establish rapports with students and learn that I have a passion for helping students succeed both emotionally and academically. As of Novermber 2021, I am know serving as Merced Scholars Charter School and Atwater Valley's school counselor. I am currently attending Fresno Pacific University to earn my Masters in School Counseling and PPS credential.
I am available Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Email: Bayala@mcoe.org Phone: (209) 381-5165 X6544
Text: (209) 425-5550
Taylor Alandzes
Youth Engagement Specialist
Hello! I'm Ms. Taylor, your Youth Engagement Specialist.
A little bit about me, I've worked at Atwater Valley for two years now and have loved every minute of it! Before I worked here, I worked with homeless and foster youth in in Phoenix, AZ and then I moved to Merced. As your Student Advocate, I'm here as someone you can talk to about whatever is going on in your life. I am also a trained Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, so if you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced any of those things, I am happy to talk with you, listen to your story and help you identify options for your specific situations. Overall, I'm here to help you all any way you need. Whether that's someone to talk to about how hard things are right now or someone to celebrate with because things couldn't be better! However I can help you, I am here. I hope to get to know all of you very soon!
Available Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:30pm
Text or Call me at (209) 325-8204
Email me at talandzes@mcoe.org
Marie Ruiz
School Psychologist
Hello!
My name is Marie Ruiz, your school psychologist. You can call me Ms. Marie. This is my second year working with Valley, Juvenile Hall, and Charter school students. I provide individual counseling services to those students who need extra help managing their emotions or mental health challenges. I am also there for you if you have an emotional or mental health crisis. For those students who may have difficulties with learning or may have a learning disability, I work with teachers on how best to provide extra support for you to be successful. I am often involved with the IEP process for those of you who are already getting Special Education services or feel like you may need them. I am looking forward to working with you this year! If you need my help or have questions, please contact me Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
E-mail: Marruiz@mcoe.org
Call: (209) 381-4030
Text: (209) 325-8182
Jose Betancourt
Mental Health Clinician
Staff Therapist I
Hello Atwater Valley and Merced Scholars. I am the Behavioral Health Clinician here from La Familia Central Valley. I am one of many resources provided to the students here on campus. I provide individual counseling and therapy for the students in all programs. In addition, I will be providing students psychoeducation in classrooms. A little about myself: I have had over 10 years of experience working with families, individuals as an agent of support, and guidance. I am committed to serving the needs of students and believe in working in partnership with the students to utilize their strengths to help them sort out their challenges and achieve their goals.
Please feel free to contact me at (209) 250-4251 or email me at jbetancourt@livelafamilia.org or jbetancourt@mcoe.org