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School Counseling, Social Work, and Psychology Services
Our Team
Our Team
Counseling and Social Work Services
Counseling and Social Work Services
Meet your School Counselor,
Caroline O'Connor, Ed.S, PPS
(760) 290-2347
My name is Ms. O'Connor and I am excited to start the school year at DPS! I have been a school counselor for over 18 years and been in the SMUSD school district for over 12 years. I look forward to building relationships with the school community while providing a comprehensive school counseling program for our students.
I grew up in Michigan but have called San Diego home since 2007. I have two little girls that keep my husband and I on our toes. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and seeing what daily adventure the world has to offer.
Meet your School Social Worker,
Alana Friedman, LCSW, PPS
(760) 290-2340 ext. 3090
Hi There! My name is Mrs. Alana and I am proud to be your School Social Worker! I am entering my 15th year as a social worker and my 6th year with San Marcos Unified. I have experience as a school-based mental health provider in NYC and North County schools.
I'm from New York and have lived in San Diego since 2019. As a partner to our staff, families, and students, my approach brings a blend of East Coast honesty with West Coast calm. Through classroom lessons, short-term group and individual counseling, restorative practices, and more, my goal is to create a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
I live in Vista with my husband, our spunky 3-year-old son Ezra, and our sweet rescue pup, Maya.
School Psychology Services
School Psychology Services
Meet your School Psychologist,
Alexis Alegre, M.A., PPS
(760) 290-2348
Hi! I’m excited to be celebrating the start to my 11th year at Double Peak School!
One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to know our students and families and being part of their support team. I work closely with families, teachers, and IEP teams to help students build confidence, coping skills, self-advocacy, and social-emotional skills that help them feel successful at school.
I truly believe it takes a team, and I love helping students recognize their strengths, understand what they need, and become more confident advocating for themselves.
When I’m not at school, I’m usually spending time with my family at the baseball or soccer fields, heading to the beach, or enjoying the outdoors. I also love baking, collecting succulents, and anything turquoise!
Meet your School Psychologist,
Crystal Trasvina, M.S., PPS, ERMHS
(760) 290-2340 ext. 3413
Hi! My name is Crystal Trasvina, and I am so excited to continue being part of the Double Peak School community! I earned my Master of Science in School Psychology and have been part of the district since 2021. As a school psychologist, I work closely with our special education team, families, and staff to understand each student’s needs and collaborate on how best to support them academically, socially, and emotionally. I grew up in Oceanside and am now a proud mom raising two little girlies (two under two)! I’m so excited to start another school year at DPS and look forward to supporting our students, families, and staff!
Registrar
Registrar
Meet your School Registrar,
Shayne Sarcinello
(760) 290-2342
Hi! I'm Shayne, and I'm excited to begin my second year as Registrar at Double Peak School and my 12th school year with SMUSD.
As a Registrar, I have the pleasure of helping new families through the enrollment process and welcoming them to the Double Peak community. I'm often one of the first people families connect with when joining our school, and truly enjoy helping make their transition to DPS as easy and welcoming as possible.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jim, our children and grandchildren, our family and friends, and our two very large and loving pups. I love traveling, tackling home projects, and cheering on the Eagles, Penn State, the Padres and Phillies (when not playing against the Padres).
I'm looking forward to another wonderful school year and welcoming both new and returning families to Double Peak.
our roles and responsibilities
our roles and responsibilities
SCHOOL COUNSELING
School counselors are trained professionals, with a minimum of a masters degree and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, that support the healthy academic, social-emotional, and college and career development of all students in TK-12 school settings by designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK
School social workers are licensed and/or certified mental health providers serving diverse groups of students, families, schools, and communities by providing evidence-based behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health services that enhance academic performance. Through assessments of home, school, personal, and community factors that may affect a student's learning, school adjustment, and general well-being, school social workers work to develop resiliency strategies, programs and services that build self-esteem, nurture positive development, and help to bond students to their school community (California Association of School Social Workers).
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
A large part of our role is supporting students with disabilities and the special education process. We help identify students who
may need additional support, complete evaluations to better understand a student's strengths and needs, and work with families
and school teams to determine whether a student qualifies for special education services.
School Psychologists Help With:
Special Education Evaluations
Special Education Eligibility & IEPs
Understanding Student Needs
Academic & Behavioral Support
Social-Emotional and Mental Health Support
Collaboration with Families
Simply Put... School Psychologists help connect the dots between learning, behavior, social-emotional development, and a student's individual needs.
While School Psychologists support all students, much of our day-to-day work in public schools is connected to special education-- evaluating students, participating in IEP teams, consulting with staff and families, and helping determine the supports students need to access their education and make progress.
why do students need school counseling services?
why do students need school counseling services?
Students learn best when they feel safe and good about themselves and their relationships with others
Students that understand their feelings are better equipped to manage their behavior
Stress and trauma can affect learning, but early supports for students can reduce their negative impact and increase academic achievement
Students experience big emotions, just like adults, and benefit from learning self-regulation skills
Schools that build positive relationships with their families and community are able to provide the resources students need to thrive
Counseling Team Brochure
DPS Counseling Team Services Brochure 26-27.pdf
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