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 two Frenchies, 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
Wellness Coach
I am happy to be part of the Novato High School team once again. I am a Novato High School Alumni graduating back in 2015. Then attending Sacramento State University where I received my Bachelors of art in Sociology. I am currently attending Dominican University pursuing my Master in education and my teaching credential.
MICHELLE CORTEZ- ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, WELLNESS
Michelle Cortez serves Novato High as both MSA Director and Novato High School Assistant Principal. She oversees students and faculty in the MSA program; the English Language Development classes and teachers; and the Wellness Campus team and efforts.
Cortez earned her BA in English and Theatre Arts from Sonoma State University and her MA in Organizational Leadership from Claremont Lincoln University. She taught drama, English, AVID, and College Readiness first at O’Farrell Community School and later at Aspire California College Preparatory Academy where she also worked on leadership teams and supported student advocacy groups. In 2011, she joined the Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy in Oakland, CA where she served as Principal for six years and built out their acclaimed school-wide literacy, Career Technical Education and wellness programs. During her time in Oakland, she also worked with the National Equity Project in their year-long fellowship program training educators on facilitation of equity initiatives.
Michelle is committed to asset based educational systems that help students develop their identity, purpose, and passion. She loves the way NHS celebrates “a wide range of normal” and feels grateful for the way students, staff, and families collaborate to create more inclusive and student-centered supports. In her free time, Michelle loves traveling and hiking with her family, doing yoga, and experiencing art in the community.
(415)798-5015
mcortez@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!
MEAGAN O'CONNOR, LMFT #116295- MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN, ERMS
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
Lis L., Trainee NMCS
*At NHS on Monday*
Jenny M. , AMFT- BILINGUAL NMCS
Bio coming soon...
*At NHS Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, amd Fridays*
Veronica G. , Trainee- BILINGUAL NMCS
Bio coming soon...
*At NHS Tuesdays*
Andrea A., AMFT NMCS
*At NHS on Thursdays*
Jesse B., Trainee NMCS
*At NHS on Friday*
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
AREZU IRANIPOUR- SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
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
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