PUSD Mission Statement
The mission of PUSD is to provide students a dynamic, engaging and effective educational experience that prepares them with the skills to be productive citizens in a global society.
PHS Counseling Department Mission Statement
In the Porterville High School Counseling Department, our goal is to support our student's academic, career, and social-emotional development through our program.
Vanessa Salas
Dean of Counseling
I went to California State University, Bakersfield, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree, Master of Science in School Counseling, and PPS Credential. Go Roadrunners! 🏃♂️💙💛
My family means everything to me! I have a son and two daughters who I adore. They are my whole world! 💕
I love traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with my family. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places like New York, Miami, Orlando, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Chicago, Utah, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Guadalajara! ✈️🌎
My parents are my role models—I look up to them so incredibly much. They are the hardest workers I know and taught me that anything is possible! 💪🏼
Lucy Avila
Counseling Assignment: AERO/A-C
luzavila@portervilleschools.org
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno Pacific University and my Master of Science in School Counseling, along with my PPS Credential, from National University. 📚
I am a mother of two—a perfect pair, a boy and a girl. They are my greatest motivators and inspire me every day. 💙🩷
I enjoy traveling, dancing, camping, spending time with family, attending Dodger games, and visiting Disneyland. ✈️🎡⚾️
My parents are my role models. Before I was born, my parents migrated to the U.S., overcoming many challenges to provide us with better opportunities. Because of their sacrifices, I am where I am today. ❤️
Connie Oropeza
Counseling Assignment: Early College & D-M
coropeza5815@portervilleschools.org
I was born & raised in Porterville 🍊 I attended Monache & am a former AVID student. I obtained my Bachelor, Masters, & PPS Credential from CSU Bakersfield.
I love listening to music 🎶, Disney trips 🏰, and going to the gym 🏋️
I am a girl mama to Camila & Daniela 💕
My role models are my parents! They have taught me to always persevere. They instilled in my siblings & me the importance of pursuing education, emphasizing that our degrees are achievements that no one can take away. Despite lacking the knowledge and resources themselves, they consistently advocated for us to attend college. I am a proud first-generation student! 💖
Karina Ceballos
Counseling Assignment: AVID/ N-Z
kceballos5588@portervilleschools.org
I earned my Bachelor's Degree from CSU Bakersfield and my masters degree along with a PPS Credential from National University.📚
I am a Starbucks and Disney lover. 🏰☕
I have two daughters, who are my world, Emma & Eliana. They inspire me every day and remind me of the importance of love, patience, and being kind. 🩷
My dad is my role model. He migrated to the U. S. at a very young age and despite not having the opportunity to complete his education, he always encouraged us to continue attending college y echarle ganas. Si Se Pudo! 🎓
Diana Torres
Counseling Assignment: PAB
dtorres4651@portervilleschools.org
I graduated from PHS in 2015💚🧡 Then, I went on to earn my bachelor's degree from the #1 pubic university...UCLA!🐻 I decided to come back to the Central Valley & earned my master's degree + PPS credential from Fresno State🐾!
For fun, I love dancing💃🏻 , working out🏋🏻♀️ , & spending quality time with my loved ones🥰.
My parents are my role models who taught me that nothing is impossible. Their hard work & resiliency brought me to this country for a better life💖
Family means everything to me, I am a proud mother of two wonderful daughters— Julieta & Marina💞
Cynthia Ramirez
Counseling Assignment: PAHS
cramirez5794@portervilleschools.org
Earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from California State University, Fresno.
I enjoy reading and taking trips to the beach.
My mother is my role model. She inspires me to see challenges as growth opportunities on my path to achieving my goals.
Her influence has fostered my love for learning and my passion for helping others.
Ms. Dolores Cavasos
dcavazos@portervilleschools.org
My name is Ms. Dolores Cavazos, and I'm the PHS Guidance Office Secretary.
I can help you in the Guidance office if you need to see your school counselor, request a transcript, or have any questions about your PHS enrollment.
Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
It's great to be a Panther!
Ms. Angie Pena
mpena6419@portervilleschools.org
You can find me in the Guidance office if you need to request a transcript, speak to your school counselor, or have any questions about a work permit.
I am the only girl out of 4 siblings, and I have 3 children of my own. Two boys, and one girl.
I love going to the beach!
Stop by our office to say hi!
Ms. Ana Vargas
School Psychologist
anaivargas@portervilleschools.org
I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of 5, and have been here ever since.
As a first-generation student, I earned a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Corrections from CSU Stanislaus. My Masters is in Education with a PPS Credential in School Counseling and School Psychology. I earned my MA at Fresno Pacific University.
I am a mother of 3 Girls, whom I adore!
I enjoy traveling, eating, and spending time with my family.
My biggest Role model has been my Father, he has taught me to work hard so that I don't have to struggle the way he had to.
Ms. Jessica Ramos
School Psychologist
jramos5758@portervilleschools.org
I was born and raised in the Central Valley and received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications from California State University, Fresno. Go Bulldogs!!
I received my Master’s degree in School Psychology and PPS credential from Fresno Pacific University.
As a School Psychologist, we are dedicated to student well-being and success. We are here to empower students to thrive both academically and emotionally!
I have an interest in social-emotional learning and mental health advocacy.
My biggest role models are my parents, they’ve always modeled resilience and supported my goals. They taught me to give my best (especially when tired) and treat everyone with kindness.