STAFF

SARAH SUVAL,  Licensed Clinical Social Worker #114389, PPS - WELLNESS HUB SPECIALIST

I am so excited to join the Novato High team!  I began my wellness/mental health provider journey working as a school counselor in Daly City in 2012. I am a San Francisco native and obtained both my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Master's of Social Work at San Francisco State University. I am the proud mother of two girls and a Frenchie, and enjoy spending time taking day trips and camping when the weather permits. I consider the Caribbean of Costa Rica my second home and go back whenever I can. 

(415) 798-5043

ssuval@nusd.org

HAILEY RIVAS - WELLNESS HUB NAVIGATOR

This is my second year as Wellness Hub Navigator and third year at Novato High School. I attended Sonoma State University where I received my Bachelor in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I am passionate about wellness and mental health for all. I am here to help and support our students at Novato High!

(415) 798-5028

hrivas@nusd.org

SWAP - STUDENT WELLNESS ADVISORY GROUP

SWAG is a student club that meets during lunch every Monday to advise the Wellness Hub and help plan and organize events.  Please stop by if you are interested in joining our club!

ANDREA  MELANO, AMFT #129192- NMCS 

Andrea Melano is the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and is an East Bay/Bay Area native. She attended Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC) for her undergraduate studies and obtained her B.A. in Spanish. During her time at SMC, she discovered her love for traveling, learning about new cultures and traditions when she studied abroad in Spain and Mexico for a year and a half. In 2019 Andrea obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling also at SMC where she specialized in College Student Services, Marriage Family Therapy, and Professional Clinical Counseling. Andrea has worked in the academic field for over 10 years supporting the low-income, minority, and immigrant student population. Andrea has been with North Marin Community Services (NMCS) for close to two years supporting NMCS’s agency as well as Novato High School and other schools within NUSD as one of the Bilingual Mental Health Associates. Prior to joining NMCS Andrea provided academic and career counseling to community college students in Oakland. During the pandemic she decided to expand her knowledge and received her Health Coaching Certificate to be able to support individuals’ mental health and overall well-being in a holistic way. Andrea loves nature so you can find her exploring trails throughout the Bay Area. She also has a deep love for dancing, watching movies, spending time with her family, traveling, and eating delicious food. Andrea looks forward to continuing supporting Novato High this new school year!

*At Novato High School Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays*

amelano@northmarincs.org

BRENDA FONAREV, AMFT #122454- NMCS 

Brenda is excited to be joining the team at North Marin Community Services as a Mental Health Associate Clinician II. Brenda has over 20 years of experience in child welfare helping families manage such challenges as substance misuse, domestic violence and mental health issues. Her first position was with the Families First Program in Pontiac, Michigan where she learned to team with families while her most recent position with Sonoma County allowed her the opportunity to provide counseling and preventative and supportive services that were inclusive and promoted wellbeing. Brenda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from UCLA and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Cal State Fullerton. She is a lifelong learner who feels it is important to continue growing as a mental health professional. Brenda and her husband live in Novato and have enjoyed raising their two children in this community. She enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with her family.

*At Novato High School Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays*

bfonarev@northmarincs.org

CERBELIO GRIJALVA, AMFT #142101- BILINGUAL NMCS 

Cerbelio (he/him/el) is excited to embark on this new journey as a Bilingual Mental Health Associate Clinician at North Marin Community. As a first-generation Latino college graduate, Cerbelio brings valuable experiences from working in non-profit organizations and school districts. His primary goal is to support and break down the negative stigmas associated with mental health in our community. Cerbelio recently completed his Master's Degree in education, as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Sonoma State University. He continues to be actively involved and contributes as a board member on the SSU alumni committee. Outside of his academic and professional endeavors, he finds joy in coaching soccer in both Novato and San Rafael. When he is not assisting clients or coaching, Cerbelio enjoys quality time spent with family and friends.  

*At Novato High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays*

creyes@northmarincs.org

SARAH JACK - SUBSTANCE ABUSE SPECIALIST, Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Novato Unified School District)

Educational and confidential substance use and recovery support for families, staff, and students at NUSD. Sarah can be reached by email, or simply by stopping by the counseling office. A few examples of areas Sarah can offer support:

• Supporting a friend or family member struggling with substances

• How to recognize when substance use has become a problem for you or someone you care about

• Education about how substances interact with our brains and bodies

• Support resources

• Mental health support

• Recovery support

The More You Know: 8 minutes of mindful meditation for 8 weeks will positively improve your executive functioning and emotional regulation. These positive changes appear to be permanent, even if you never practice mindfulness again.

*At Novato High School Thursdays and Fridays*

(415) 827-5839

sjack@nusd.org

AREZU IRANIPOUR- SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST (Novato Unified School District)

The 23/24 school year marks my 12th year at Novato High School.  I moved from Southern CA to Marin County after graduating from Chapman University in 2012, with a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology.  I studied at the University of CA, Irvine for undergrad, graduating with my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Behavior.  When I moved following grad school, I anticipated it to be short term, but I fell in love with Northern CA and have made my home in Petaluma (and grown roots in Novato). 

My work at Novato High is primarily within Special Education but I support all students and I participate in all-things Wellness across campus.  My office is located within the Counseling Office.  The best and fastest way to contact me is by email and my direct line is 415-798-5363. 

(415) 798-5363

iranipour@nusd.org

MEAGAN O'CONNOR, LMFT #116295,  MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

Meagan was born and raised in Sonoma County. She has been working in Special education for 13 years. She worked as a classroom behavioral assistant while finishing school, and then became a clinician and supervisor at a non-public school in Santa Rosa, CA. In her free time, she loves to travel, cook, garden, watch movies, dance, and make art. She spends lots of time with her niece and nephew, and of course her little dog, Teddy Bear. She is passionate about mental health for young people in schools, and she is so excited to be a part of Novato High School! 

(415)798-5033

moconnor@nusd.org

SANDRA RAMIREZ - COMMUNITY LIAISON (BILINGUAL)

I have an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences from the College of Marin, Kentfield Campus, California. I appreciate the opportunity to work at Novato High School where diverse and cultural environments allow people from different sociocultural backgrounds and mindsets to interact, demonstrate cultural humility, and welcome diverse views presents several opportunities. The school environment supports both students and staff to nurture their talents. This explains why my love for students has grown as I share my gifts, values, virtues, and experiences with students in a meaningful way.  

Sandra is available to support students and families with connecting to all campus resources.

(415) 798-5090

sramirezescutia@nusd.org

KRISTEN BLIGH, M.S., PPS - AVID PROGRAM COUNSELOR 

This year will be my 2nd year at Novato High School and 9th year as a high school counselor. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Educational Studies and have a masters degree in Counseling from San Francisco State (as well as a Pupil Personnel Services credential).  Since joining the team here at Novato High, the student body and staff has graciously welcomed me with open arms. I feel so lucky to have joined such a wonderful community. I was born and raised in the Bay Area as part of a big Italian family, one of six children! My husband and I live in San Rafael with our two daughters, Emery & Josie. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, running, and doing yoga. 

(415)798-5034

kbligh@nusd.org

OSCAR GALDAMEZ - BILINGUAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR 

Bio coming soon... 

(415) 798-5017

ogaldamez@nusd.org

DEBBIE HAGAN, LCSW; PPS - BILINGUAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR 

This is my 15th year as a School Counselor at Novato High, and I love being here! I had previously spent 19 years as a School Counselor at Davidson Middle School in San Rafael. I grew up in San Francisco, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University, and then a Master's Degree in Social Work and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from San Francisco State University. I come from a big Italian family- I'm one of 5 siblings - and I have a twin brother. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years, and our son and daughter were raised here in Novato, attending Novato schools. I love to hike, travel, read, dance and spend time with loved ones. I consider myself truly blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends, and our incredible collegues and students here at Novato High!! 😊 

(415) 798-5016

dhagan@nusd.org

MARIE MCMAHON, PPC - SCHOOL COUNSELOR

The Fall of 2023 will begin my 8th year as a Counselor at Novato High School. I was born and raised in a small town near Omaha, Nebrasksa and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln earning a Bachelors degree in Business Finance.  Educational Counseling has been a second career for me. I spent my earlier career as an Accounting Supervisor for Sony Pictures Entertainment in Los Angeles. I then earned a Masters Degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University after applying on a whim.  This move changed my career trajectory completely. I am also certified in College Counseling and Career Planning through UC Berkeley. Most recently in 2022, I earned a Masters in Educational Administration from San Francisco State University. Some of my NHS responsibilities include coordinating SAT and AP Testing. I have cleaned houses, worked in a factory (3M Company), been a bank teller and many things in between. I have found that helping students to find their perfect path in higher learning/ career path is my dream job.  I believe everyone has a shot at the Education and Career they want. I love being part of this amazing Novato Hornet community!

(415) 798-5022

mmcmahon@nusd.org

ADE VILLASENOR MELGOZA, M.S.; PPS - BILINGUAL SCHOOL COUNSELOR 

Hola!  I'm Ms. Melgoza a proud first-generation college graduate and SF Native.  I graduated from SFSU and CSUEB with a Bachelor's Degree in La Raza Studies and Master's Degree in School Counseling.  I started my counseling career in 1996 and am about to start year 3 at Novato HS.  My favorite hobbies are watching sports with my son, taking long walks and chatting up a storm with my friends.  

Soy Ms. Melgoza una persona que se siente orgullosa de ser la primera en mi familia de graduarse de una universidad y de haber nacido en SF.  Me gradué de SFSU y CSUEB con la licenciatura en La Raza Studies y maestría en Consejería Escolar.  Empecé mi carrera en 1996 y este es mi 3er año en Novato HS.  Mis actividades favoritas son ver deportes con mi hijo, caminar y platicar con mis amigas. 

(415) 798-5020

amelgoza@nusd.org