Mackenzie Cao

Background and Vision/Mission Statement

Background: 

Originally from Florida, I moved to California in 2020 after completing my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior and graduating with honors. During my time in California, I gained experience in mental health prior to starting graduate school.

 Through my experience as a behavior interventionist, I have learned to implement and collect data on a child's academic and behavioral goals using VB-MAPP and interventions from Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, working in mental health has taught me how to apply de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to build strong relationships with patients to enhance their quality of care at residential facilities.

 Afterward, I started my master's in education in school counseling with an expected graduation in Fall 2025. Through my studies and practicum, I have developed a passion for advocating for students and empowering them through strength-based theories.

In my free time, I do landscape photography and art. Fun fact: I took all the photographs on this website!

VISION STATEMENT: My comprehensive school counseling program vision is to empower students to reach their academic goals and develop social-emotional skills, all within an equitable learning environment. In addition, I will collaborate with key stakeholders in the community to foster resilient and successful leaders.

MISSION STATEMENT: By providing a strength-based learning approach that is student-centered, the school counseling program I aim to achieve will support the whole child through a holistic approach. The program will address social-emotional, academic, and college and career readiness through a data-driven curriculum to meet the needs of all students. Through this equitable approach, the students will be supported through an engaging, inspiring, and challenging program that will foster a healthy and safe school culture with all key stakeholders.