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

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*

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 NHS Tuesdays and Wednesdays*

bfonarev@northmarincs.org

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