Counseling
Counseling Staff
11 hours ago
Carmita Peña
Coordinator of College & Career Programs
As a Woodlake High School Alumni and community member, Mrs. Peña takes pride in coming back to her roots to do what she enjoys best, which is guiding and educating others. After high school, Mrs. Peña completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fresno State. She continued at Fresno State to complete her Masters in Science in Counseling & Student Services along with her Pupil Personal Services Credential (PPS) and later earned her Administrative Services Credential.
Hired: Mrs. Pena was hired by WHS August 2004 but worked for the district since 2001 as a Case Manager at WFRC.
Favorite Quote:
“Love Challenges, Be Intrigued By Mistakes, Enjoy Effort And Keep on Learning” by Carol Dweck
Jacqueline Murillo
Head Counselor
Ms. Murillo was born and raised in the Central Valley. After graduating high school she attended Fresno State where she received her
Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. While working in education she realized
her passion for helping students reach their post-secondary goals. She went on
to attend Cal State Bakersfield where she received a Master’s Degree in School
Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services Credential. She loves her job as a counselor because it is challenging yet rewarding.
Hired at WHS: Ms. Murillo has been a high school counselor since 2014, and at WHS since 2018.
Favorite Quote: “What you perceive as real is real in its consequences.” -W. I. Thomas
Kendra Moreno
Counselor
Growing up in the small town of Cutler-Orosi, I was a first-generation college student who earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees from Fresno Pacific University. My own journey as a first-generation college graduate has instilled in me a deep commitment to helping students navigate their educational paths and reach their full potential. One of my favorite things to do is travel and see new places. Growing up, I didn't have many chances to explore the world beyond my small town. As your school counselor, I'm committed to helping you succeed in high school and beyond. I want to show you all the great opportunities that are out there for you!
Marcela Arambula
Counselor
Ms. Arambula is a proud alumni of Woodlake High School. After completing her studies at College of the Sequoias, she transferred to Fresno State to obtain her bachelor's degree. She went on to Fresno Pacific shortly after, where she earned a master's degree in school counseling and a credential in pupil personnel services. She is currently employed as the Work-Based Learning Coordinator, which plays a crucial role in bridging the knowledge gap between industry and education to guarantee that students have real-world exposure that enhances their preparation for careers and success in the workforce.
Proud Woodlake High School Alumni, Class of 2019
Favorite Quote: “The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away." - David Viscott
Natalie Lara
Counseling Technician
(559) 564-3308
nlara@w-usd.org
A graduate of Woodlake High School- class of 1984, Natalie Lara started as an OCS (on campus suspension) aide. After about 5 years she was also hired part- time in the afternoon as an aide in the counseling office. Another 3 -4 years later she was hired as a full time Counseling Tech. Natalie enjoys working with the staff and students at Woodlake High School.
Hired: Natalie Lara started working at WHS in 1992.
Quote: “In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”- Tom Bodett
Marisol Lara
Secretary
Mrs. Marisol Lara is a proud Woodlake High School alumna, Class of 2014. She began her career in education as an instructional aide substitute for the Woodlake School District, where she served for over two years. In 2019, she joined the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) as an Administrative Aide, further growing her passion for supporting students and schools. Today, Mrs. Lara is thrilled to return to where it all began—Woodlake High School—as the Counseling Secretary, continuing her commitment to education and her community.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
Valeria Orozco
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Ms. Orozco is a proud alumni of Woodlake High School, graduating class of 2019. Being a first generation college student she completed her studies at College of the Sequoias, then transferred to Fresno State University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Sociology. She will now be attending Arizona State where she will be earning her Masters degree is Social Work. As a Work-Based Learning Coordinator Ms.Orozco strives to connect students with different opportunities that will prepare them for their future careers and will also empower students to succeed way beyond the classroom.
Favorite Quote: "You can't go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending." - C.S. Lewis
Lydia Kimble
Workability
(559) 564-3308
lkimble@w-usd.org
WHS Virtual School Counseling Program Mission/Vision/Goals
Staff is accessible to students and parents Monday through Friday from 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Counseling staff will continue to provide student support services that promote academic, career and personal/social development. WHS School Counseling will continue to deliver services through the following elements:
- School Counseling Core Curriculum
- Individual Student Planning
- Responsive Services
- Counseling Website Development
- Consultation and Collaboration with administration, teachers, parents, and community members via email, phone calls, and video phone conferences.
School Counseling Core Curriculum:
The WHS School Counseling Core Curriculum will continue to be delivered through the following strategies:
Instruction: School Counseling Staff will continue to provide instruction and resources to all grade levels utilizing written and video instruction. The following are examples of technological services that will be used; Google Apps, Remind 101, Email, and educational websites such as www.californiacolleges.edu.
Individual Student Planning:
School counselors will help students plan, monitor and manage their own learning to achieve academic, career and personal/social development.
Individual Student Planning will continue to be delivered through the following strategies:
Assessment: Counseling Staff will work with students via email, and scheduled phone conference calls to analyze and evaluate students engagement in distance learning and District Social Worker will continue to work with students to develop their social/emotional support plan.
Advisement: Counseling Staff will help students make decisions and advise students via email or scheduled phone conference based on academic, career and personal/social needs.
Responsive Services:
Responsive services consist of activities designed to meet students’ immediate needs and concerns. Responsive services will be designed to help students resolve academic, career, and personal/social issues and will be delivered through the following strategies:
Counseling: Counseling will be provided through email and scheduled phone conference calls per request of student and/or parent and/or staff person. Counseling will be goal-focused and short-term in nature. Referral will be made to the appropriate agency if needed.
Crisis Response: Counseling staff will provide support and assistance to students as they navigate critical and emergency situations via email and phone conference. Since we are unable to meet with students in person, if the safety of a student is at risk, immediate contact with parent(s)/guardian(s) will be made, unless abuse or neglect is suspected; in which case staff will follow mandating reporting laws, district and school policy. If we can’t reach the student or parent by phone or email, staff will contact local law enforcement to request a wellness check.
Staff is accessible to students and parents Monday through Friday from 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Counseling staff will continue to provide student support services that promote academic, career and personal/social development. WHS School Counseling will continue to deliver services through the following elements:
- School Counseling Core Curriculum
- Individual Student Planning
- Responsive Services
- Counseling Website Development
- Consultation and Collaboration with administration, teachers, parents, and community members via email, phone calls, and video phone conferences.
School Counseling Core Curriculum:
The WHS School Counseling Core Curriculum will continue to be delivered through the following strategies:
Instruction: School Counseling Staff will continue to provide instruction and resources to all grade levels utilizing written and video instruction. The following are examples of technological services that will be used; Google Apps, Remind 101, Email, and educational websites such as www.californiacolleges.edu.
Individual Student Planning:
School counselors will help students plan, monitor and manage their own learning to achieve academic, career and personal/social development.
Individual Student Planning will continue to be delivered through the following strategies:
Assessment: Counseling Staff will work with students via email, and scheduled phone conference calls to analyze and evaluate students engagement in distance learning and District Social Worker will continue to work with students to develop their social/emotional support plan.
Advisement: Counseling Staff will help students make decisions and advise students via email or scheduled phone conference based on academic, career and personal/social needs.
Responsive Services:
Responsive services consist of activities designed to meet students’ immediate needs and concerns. Responsive services will be designed to help students resolve academic, career, and personal/social issues and will be delivered through the following strategies:
Counseling: Counseling will be provided through email and scheduled phone conference calls per request of student and/or parent and/or staff person. Counseling will be goal-focused and short-term in nature. Referral will be made to the appropriate agency if needed.
Crisis Response: Counseling staff will provide support and assistance to students as they navigate critical and emergency situations via email and phone conference. Since we are unable to meet with students in person, if the safety of a student is at risk, immediate contact with parent(s)/guardian(s) will be made, unless abuse or neglect is suspected; in which case staff will follow mandating reporting laws, district and school policy. If we can’t reach the student or parent by phone or email, staff will contact local law enforcement to request a wellness check.
Community Service - Student and Community Resources