Hello!  My name is Kaci Carignan (Care-ig-nen) and I am so excited to serve as your high school counselor.  I have been a high school counselor for 15 years.  After earning my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University, I went on to earn my Master's degree in Counselor Education at California State University, Sacramento. 

Before coming to River Islands High School, I worked for eleven years as an Academic and College counselor for Aspire Public Schools.  Prior to that, I worked for two years as a high school counselor for Stockton Unified School District. 

I am grounded in the belief that all students can learn, all students have their own unique talents and all students have a purpose in this world.  I am dedicated to contributing to a school culture that welcomes students of diverse backgrounds, talents, skills, passions and interests.  Above and beyond anything, I want all of our students to feel that they belong here at RIHS.  

I am passionate about helping students successfully matriculate from high school to the post-secondary opportunity that is right for them.  My goal is to ensure that upon high school graduation, all students have a post-secondary plan that they feel excited and confident about.  My former students have gone on to four-year colleges, two-year colleges, trade programs, apprenticeships and the United States Armed Forces.  I can't wait to see where you will go! 

In my spare time, I love spending as much time with family as possible.  We enjoy traveling, camping, hiking and playing board games. My oldest daughter is entering her freshman year at Willamette University (go, Bearcats!) where she is planning to major in Kinesiology.  My youngest daughter is entering 8th grade and is a very active athlete who plays soccer and softball.   

Hello Riptide! My name is Breanna Lake and I am excited for my journey to continue at River Islands High School as one of the counselors on campus. 

As a student, I attended Modesto Junior College where I studied Child Development with areas of emphasis in Family and Cultural Studies and Early Intervention. Following graduation with my Associates Degree, I transferred to Brigham Young University where I graduated with honors with my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in TESOL. I moved back to California, completed all credentialing, and began teaching for River Islands Academies. 

I have taught at River Islands Technology Academy for the past eight years, teaching fifth grade, eighth grade, Leadership, and Art. Although I loved teaching, I have always known my journey in obtaining my own higher education was not complete. I am currently earning my Masters Degree in Counseling from Concordia University-Irvine, and will graduate Summa Cum Laude in December with my Pupil Personnel Services Credential. 

I firmly believe that all students have the potential to find personal success in their lives while utilizing their own abilities and passions. Just as every individual is unique, each post-secondary plan is unique. It is my goal to introduce students to a variety of pathway options that will meet their needs and interests for what they hope for their futures. 

Additionally, I am passionate about providing social/emotional support for students. By discussing strategies for stress-management, providing tools for emotional support, and being available to work with students through moments of crisis, students are able to “be well and do well” here at school. 

I am so excited to work with the RIHS students and be a support to them during their educational journey. So much adventure and excitement is ahead for our students, and I am excited to see where their journey takes them!