\u201cNational School Counseling Week reminds us that school counseling is not just a position \u2014 it is a program that transforms lives,\u201d said Lezya Weglarz, project specialist, Pre-K\u201312 School Counseling Services at SDCOE. \u201cVisiting each of our finalists on their campuses and hearing directly from students and staff was incredibly powerful. These school counselors are building systems of support where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Their leadership extends far beyond their offices \u2014 it shapes school culture and strengthens entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Three additional recognitions were awarded this year:<\/p>\n
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- Advocate of the Year: Jeara Romasanta, Oceanside Unified School District<\/li>\n
- Administrator of the Year: Mia Funk, Escondido Union High School District<\/li>\n
- Community-Based Organization of the Year: Institute for Public Strategies\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The School Counselor of the Year awards are sponsored by North Island Credit Union. Each honoree was awarded a $500 check from the credit union. \u201cNorth Island Credit Union is proud to mark our seventh year partnering with SDCOE to recognize the extraordinary impact of school counselors across our region,\u201d said North Island Credit Union President\/CEO Steve O\u2019Connell. \u201cSchool counselors play a vital role in fostering belonging and supporting students\u2019 social and emotional well-being. Supporting education is central to our mission, and we are honored to celebrate this year\u2019s Elementary, Middle and High School Counselor of the Year and the professionals who make a lasting difference for students and families throughout San Diego County.\u201d<\/p>\n
About The Honorees<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Rosa Lopez\u00a0\u2013<\/strong> Elementary Level
For more than two decades, Rosa Lopez has led with heart and purpose at El Toyon Elementary, building systems that ensure every child feels seen, safe, and supported. As the school\u2019s PBIS coordinator, she helped lead the team to five consecutive years of PBIS Platinum recognition, creating a positive and consistent school climate. During our visit, it was clear how deeply students trust her \u2014 greeting her with hugs as she led engaging lessons that teach empathy, kindness, and belonging. Through expanded on-site medical and mental health supports and partnerships like the Collaborative Life Skills program with San Diego State University, she continues to remove barriers and strengthen connections between home and school so every child can thrive.<\/p>\nNguyet Pham-Camacho<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013<\/strong> Middle School Level
Nguyet Pham-Camacho is a systems-minded leader at Bell Middle School who brings both innovation and organization to ensure students can easily access counseling support. Serving as the 7th-grade counselor in a looping model, she builds deep, sustained relationships that center student voice and restorative practices \u2014 shaped by her journey from classroom teacher to Restorative Justice Dean to school counselor. A proud product of City Heights, Nguyet\u2019s \u201cwhy\u201d is rooted in community and cultural wealth, and she is committed to being the source of care and affirmation that was once poured into her. Through programs like Youth Leaders, she empowers students to facilitate restorative circles schoolwide, cultivating empathy, accountability, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging.<\/p>\nAve Williams\u00a0\u2013<\/strong> High School Level\u00a0
Ave Williams has dedicated more than two decades to Ramona High School, serving the past seven years as lead counselor and guiding her team with clarity, care, and purpose. She sees her role as a bridge \u2014 connecting students\u2019 present realities to their future possibilities and serving as a steady, trusted voice for those who may not yet feel heard. Ave believes deeply that all students are high-potential students, and her unconditional positive regard helps them build resilience, reclaim their power, and imagine what\u2019s possible. Through visionary efforts like her Career Exploration Extended Learning Time program and a culture of mentorship and connection, she continues to expand postsecondary access and create a lasting legacy of belonging and opportunity.<\/p>\nJeara Romasanta \u2013 <\/strong>Advocate of the Year
Jeara Romasanta embodies what it means to be an advocate \u2014 someone who listens deeply, empowers boldly, and takes\u00a0meaningful action to amplify student voice and remove systemic barriers. Her advocacy comes to life through innovative initiatives like the PBIS Star Store Managers program and student listening circles that directly inform schoolwide equity efforts, ensuring belonging is not just discussed, but practiced. She champions equity through trauma-informed, culturally responsive and neurodivergent-affirming approaches, while also mentoring new school counselors and leading professional learning to strengthen the profession. Rooted in her lived experience as a first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants, Jeara\u2019s work is fueled by a powerful \u201cwhy\u201d \u2014 ensuring every student has access, opportunity, and someone steadfastly in their corner.<\/p>\nMia Funk \u2013 <\/strong>Administrator of the Year
Mia Funk exemplifies what it means to be a transformative educational leader \u2014 championing school counseling, investing in equity-driven professional learning, and creating systems that expand opportunity for every student. Through her visionary leadership, school counselors have been elevated as strategic partners in college and career readiness, with initiatives like CCGI implementation and partnership with CaliforniaColleges.edu ensuring students receive structured, meaningful postsecondary support. With more than 25 years in education, Mia\u2019s relationship-centered approach empowers educators, strengthens collaborative systems, and integrates counseling into districtwide goals that prioritize student success.\u00a0<\/p>\nInstitute for Public Strategies \u2013 <\/strong>Community-Based Organization of the Year
The Institute for Public Strategies (IPS) exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner \u2014 listening deeply, collaborating authentically, and taking meaningful action to expand opportunity and wellbeing for students and families. Their impact is reflected through enriching outdoor and community-based experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, belonging, and connection for students in Mountain Empire Unified School District. Through prevention-focused, equity-driven work, IPS elevates student voice, strengthens family engagement, and partners closely with schools to remove barriers and build community capacity.\u00a0<\/p>\n