Angela Maiers is considered one of today’s most influential thought leaders in education and transformative thinking. She founded the global movement, Choose2Matter, in 2014, with a singular mission to help individuals recognize their value and potential contribution to change both their own lives and the world. The non-profit organization grew out of the impassioned response to a TEDTalk she gave on the power of two simple words that went viral. YOU MATTER! An educator for 30 years, Angela has shared her message of Mattering not only with students and teachers, but with businesses large and small and organizations of all kinds. Her work has been shared in 78,000 classrooms across 100 countries that has rallied more than a million children. Her work with industries is finding new ways to ignite the genius of employees, successfully addressing a $15 trillion employee engagement problem. 

Dr. Brandon Gridiron is the principal of Redwood High School in Visalia, California. He is committed to transforming education to inspire students to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Driven by a mission to create a culture of hope and purpose, Dr. Gridiron works to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Previously, he served as the Administrator of Equity & Student Services for Visalia Unified School District, where he championed equitable access to resources that prepare students for success in college, careers, and life.

Dr. Gridiron earned his doctorate in educational leadership, a master’s degree in counseling student services, and an administrative credential in educational leadership from California State University, Fresno.

Rebecca Aguila has over 20 years of experience in K-12 education.  She has had the pleasure of serving in a variety of roles, including high school counseling, state and federal compliance, and data and accountability. Rebecca currently works at the Office of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS) as the Director of CALPADS & Accountability.  Her focus at FCSS is to provide support to LEAs in understanding the evolving California’s System of Support with a focus on CALPADS and state and federal accountability.

Session Title: Dashboard 101 for School Counselors

Heather Elias holds a master's degree in school counseling as well as a PPS credential. She works in the College & Career Readiness Department at the Tulare County Office of Education, and a large part of her role revolves around the creation of data visuals. In her work, she focuses on the storytelling aspect of data visualization, as well as the visual appeal because she knows that an eye-catching and easily understandable display is much more likely to translate into something actionable.

Session Title: Survey Says: Creating Quality Survey Questions That Deliver Meaningful Data

Cecilia Espinoza is a dedicated school counselor at Kings River Union Elementary School, where she has been a valued team member for seven years. Now in her fourth year as a counselor, Cecilia brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for student success. She earned both her master’s degree and PPS credential from California State University, Fresno's esteemed K-12 School Counseling Program. Cecilia is especially committed to working with middle school students, helping them explore high school pathways and empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence. Her mission is to guide students beyond their perceived limits and inspire them to achieve their full potential.

Session Title: One Counselor’s Story: What is My Role on a K-8 Campus?

As a senior manager on the Engagement and Implementation team for California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI), Anna Lorena Garcia works in direct service of districts to support their implementation efforts and drive ongoing, effective utilization of the college and career planning tools on CaliforniaColleges.edu. Before joining CCGI, Anna Lorena worked for the University of California Office of the President and the University of California, Merced Center for Educational Partnerships, where she spent more than a decade working with educators, students, and families supporting college and career planning. Anna Lorena earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the University of La Verne.

Session Title: Building 6th - 12th Grade College and Career Experiences Through CaliforniaColleges.edu

Miriam Gonzalez is a dedicated school counselor in her second year with Strathmore Union Elementary School District. In her role, she supports the mental health and well-being of students across both elementary and middle school levels, fostering a safe and inclusive environment where all students can succeed.

In addition to her counseling responsibilities, Miriam is leading the district’s Project AWARE initiative, which focuses on advancing awareness and support for student mental health. Through her leadership, she is driving efforts to provide resources, interventions, and strategies that promote emotional resilience and academic success.

Miriam is passionate about empowering students to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Her work reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of her school community and a vision for creating brighter futures for every student she serves.

Session Title: Integrating Mental Health Campaigns Into Your Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Selma Gonzalez serves as the Director of Engagement & Implementation for California’s Central Valley region, where she leads initiatives to close equity gaps in education. She focuses on building partnerships with school districts and communities to ensure that the work of the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) prioritizes the needs and experiences of students, families, and educators.

Before joining CCGI, Selma spent more than 20 years in education, advocating for equitable opportunities that expand students' postsecondary options. Her experience includes 11 years as a high school counselor and head counselor, as well as a decade in district leadership roles. At both Fresno Unified and Madera Unified School Districts, she was instrumental in standardizing counseling services and programs, ensuring that all students received consistent, high-quality guidance regardless of their school.

Selma holds a bachelor’s degree in health science with a focus on community health and a Master of Arts in education counseling and student services, both from California State University, Fresno.

Session Title: Building 6th - 12th Grade College and Career Experiences Through CaliforniaColleges.edu

Tina Gutierrez is a coordinator for Counseling Services at Visalia Unified School District, where she has served for over nine years. She began her career in education as a college counselor in 2009 and joined Visalia Unified in 2015 as an education specialist. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles, including school counselor in 2021, district counselor in 2022, and her current position as coordinator in 2024.

Tina is passionate about making a meaningful impact on student lives and believes that intentionality with every student is key to being an effective educator.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Psychology, as well as a Master of Arts in Education with her PPS credential and Education Specialist credential, from Fresno Pacific University. Since 2011, Tina has also been a professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Session Title: Building 6th - 12th Grade College and Career Experiences Through CaliforniaColleges.edu

Enrique Lopez is the Project AWARE Counselor for Pixley Union School District, where he is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. Now in his second year in this role, Enrique is passionate about fostering a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically.

With a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Enrique works closely with students, families, and educators to address mental health challenges and promote resilience. He takes pride in providing individualized support, offering resources, and implementing strategies that empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential.

Enrique is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, not only in the lives of the students he serves but also within the broader Pixley Union School District community. His work reflects a heartfelt mission to build stronger, healthier futures for all those he supports.

Session Title: Integrating Mental Health Campaigns Into Your Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Sherry Martin has served as superintendent/principal of Kings River Union Elementary School District since 2012. With a career in elementary education spanning over three decades, she has been passionately dedicated to fostering student success since 1992.

Sherry earned both her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and her master’s degree in educational leadership from Fresno Pacific University. She considers it an honor and privilege to lead in the field of education, focusing on creating a school community and environment that nurtures the whole child.

Session Title: One Counselor’s Story: What is My Role on a K-8 Campus?

Krista Taylor brings over 18 years of experience in education, having served as a school counselor, high school teacher, high school administrator, counseling coordinator, and Director of Equity and Student Services. She is deeply committed to leveraging data-driven strategies to measure program impact and guide decision-making, empowering teams to focus on student success.

Session Title: Building 6th - 12th Grade College and Career Experiences Through CaliforniaColleges.edu

Fabian Valdes | Project AWARE Grant CoordinatorTulare County Office of Education

Fabian Valdes serves as the grant coordinator for Project AWARE, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the program’s mission to support youth mental health. As a leader of the Youth Advisory Council, Fabian empowers young voices to advocate for their needs and contribute to mental health initiatives in their communities.

In addition to guiding the council, Fabian organizes impactful pop-up events that foster awareness and engagement around mental health topics. He also collaborates closely with school districts to implement social-emotional screeners, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. Fabian’s expertise extends to managing all data collection for the project, providing valuable insights to enhance program effectiveness and outcomes.

With a strong commitment to youth well-being, Fabian is passionate about creating meaningful change and ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

Session Title: Integrating Mental Health Campaigns Into Your Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Meade Williams is a licensed marriage and Family Therapist in California specializing in mindfulness-based practices.  A credentialed mindfulness instructor with Mindful Schools, certified mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment provider, and UCLA PEERS® Clinic adolescents certified provider, she has 15 years of clinical experience in educational, community, and private practice settings. In her current role as mindfulness coordinator with TCOE's Project AWARE, Meade is passionate about supporting youth through their unique journey while strengthening the communities that raise them. Through the power of mindfulness practice, she challenges students, adults, and the systems that support them to dream big and work hard at developing the skills needed to reach their most ambitious goals.

Meade invites 2025 Counselor Conference participants to explore mindfulness as a powerful exponent in the journey towards mental wellness, resiliency through connection, and the creation of sustainable communities. 

Born and raised in Visalia, Meade contracts with TCOE’s Project Aware in the role of mindfulness coordinator and maintains a private consultation practice — Garden House Therapy.

Session Title: Integrating Mental Health Campaigns Into Your Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Adrianne Ashford is a college and career counselor with Dinuba Unified School District. With 24 years of experience in education, Adrianne has served as a dedicated school counselor across elementary, middle, and high school levels, and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Adrianne is driven by a commitment to inspire and guide students in discovering their passions, exploring career possibilities, and setting a foundation for lifelong success. She believes in creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect with their interests and build the skills necessary for their future.

As a presenter, Adrianne is excited to share her insights and strategies to empower young individuals, fostering their personal growth and career exploration.

Session Title: Dinuba Unified College and Career Continuum for TK-8

Manjeet Dail | Director of College and Career
Dinuba Unified School District

Manjeet Dail is the director of the College and Career Department for Dinuba Unified School District, where she has played a pivotal role in transforming education through the development of innovative career pathways and academies. Under her leadership, Dinuba Unified has become a leader in hands-on learning, with its academies receiving distinct awards and recognition for their one-of-a-kind programs. Notably, the Dinuba High School Construction Management Academy (CMA) became the first academy in the Central Valley to achieve Linked Learning Gold Certification, a testament to her visionary leadership and dedication to excellence.

Known for her unwavering support of teachers, staff, and students, Manjeet fosters a culture of creativity and risk-taking, empowering educators to implement bold ideas that prioritize student success. Her commitment to providing access to groundbreaking opportunities has positioned Dinuba Unified as a trailblazer in Career and Technical Education, ensuring students are prepared for both college and career pathways.

Manjeet remains devoted to inspiring innovation and collaboration, continually raising the bar for educational excellence, and ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Session Title: Dinuba Unified College and Career Continuum for TK-8

Jasmine Escalante is an experienced educator and servant leader who specializes in innovative approaches to student support and community engagement. With over 22 years of experience in K-12 education, Jasmine is passionate about leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to create equitable and engaging learning opportunities. Currently pursuing an Ed.D. in organizational innovation, Jasmine leads initiatives to empower counselors and educators to enhance the diverse needs of every learner. Jasmine is dedicated to transforming educational practices to ensure all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Session Title: AI in Action: Practical Strategies for Supporting Students & Building Community

Becky Hanson is an independent educational consultant based in Los Gatos, CA, dedicated to supporting students and families in the Bay Area, particularly in the South Bay, through the college search and application process. She holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Southern California, and a College Counseling Certificate from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Through her practice, BEC Consulting, Becky focuses on helping students and families identify schools that are the right fit and match for their needs. She emphasizes a low-stress, realistic approach to the college application process, encouraging students to take ownership by conducting research and creating a balanced, thoughtful college list. Becky believes in starting early, empowering students to make informed decisions while avoiding last-minute stress.

Becky’s approach to college consulting is rooted in honesty, realism, and a commitment to student empowerment. With her personal experience guiding her own children through the college process, she brings a compassionate and expert perspective to her work. Becky is deeply passionate about helping every student find their perfect college match and is dedicated to providing personalized support throughout this exciting journey.

Session Title: Empowering Student Success: College Counseling Strategies

Claudia Martinez Cisneros is a dedicated Porterville Unified School District (PUSD) AWARE Counselor and Counseling Coach. She is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and community well-being. A proud Porterville native and former PUSD student, Ms. Martinez Cisneros has deep roots in the community and a heartfelt commitment to giving back.

In her role, she empowers staff, parents, caregivers, and students through impactful training sessions and workshops. She also spearheads mental health awareness initiatives, including hosting Project AWARE booths at PUSD schools and community events, creating valuable opportunities to connect and educate.

Ms. Martinez Cisneros is an accomplished academic, holding a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and liberal studies, a master’s degree in counseling with a focus on marriage and family therapy, and a PPS credential, all earned at California State University, Fresno. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, she has extensive experience providing mental health services to children, youth, families, and adults.

Currently pursuing a doctorate in depth psychology, Ms. Martinez Cisneros continues to deepen her expertise in mental health, further enriching her ability to support the PUSD community and advocate for mental health awareness.

Session Title: Invisible Wounds, Visible Futures: Trauma-Informed Practices to Empower Hidden Potential

As senior improvement coach with CORE Districts, Lynn Rocha-Salazar brings 30 years of education experience to her role. She is responsible for supporting school districts in equity-based reform initiatives and continuous improvement efforts. Her extensive career in education includes positions as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, program manager, vice-principal on special assignment, and principal.

During her tenure as a site leader, Lynn mentored teachers in continuous improvement efforts and developed partnerships with key stakeholders to address equity and access issues, particularly for African-American and Latino students. She is credited with developing specific enabling conditions that fostered the adoption of improvement principles.

In her present role, Lynn works to support high school teams with their 9th Grade On-Track efforts. Her primary objective is to champion improvement work that disrupts historical inequities in educational systems, ultimately enhancing the lives of the students served.

Session Title: Winning and Learning

Amanda Gutierrez is an associate clinical social worker and trainer with Tulare County Office of Education's Behavioral Health Services. She brings a wealth of experience supporting diverse populations, including victims of human trafficking, foster youth, and individuals of all ages facing mental health challenges.

With a strong background in school-based mental health services, Amanda has worked closely with students, providing therapeutic interventions to address their unique needs. Her approach emphasizes collaboration with community agencies, school staff, and families to create a comprehensive support system that fosters growth and well-being.

Amanda is passionate about empowering individuals and communities through compassionate care and tailored interventions, ensuring that those in need receive the resources and support they deserve.

Session Title: Cyberbullying

Leslie Kelly is the Program Manager for the California Center on Teaching Careers (The Center), housed within the Tulare County Office of Education. Leslie brings with her over 24 years of experience and expertise. Leslie was formally the Content Coordinator overseeing the Teachers of Color Pipeline in Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. Currently an Adjunct Professor at Fresno Pacific University for almost eight years teaching various courses in the School Counseling and PPS Program, Leslie, continues to highlight the importance of representation in each of these roles. Leslie has a gift in building strong relationships with educational partners, to further the work of equity in education. She continues to find ways to support all students using an equity lens having experience in both K-12 and higher education. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration and a master’s in counseling along with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Her passion for learning is evident as she continues to reimagine ways to transform education and ensure equitable access is attainable for all students in California.

Session Title: Bringing SEL to Live Using Culturally Affirming Practices

Casandra Ledesma brings over 25 years of experience in education, having served in a variety of roles throughout her career. Most recently, she worked as the dean and head counselor at Woodlake High School while also teaching as an adjunct instructor for Fresno Pacific University (FPU) in their Master’s in Counseling program and for the College of the Sequoias (COS) Student Services Department.

This diverse experience has led her to her current role as a full-time student services instructor at COS, where she continues to teach for FPU. At COS, Casandra has taught Counseling 10: Career and Life Planning, Counseling 25: College and Life Success, and Human Development 221: Applied Learning and Study Strategies. She delivers these courses in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats, working with traditional, concurrent, and dual enrollment students.

Session Title: Guiding Success: An Instructor's Insight into COS Counseling and Human Development Courses

Yuban Prado is a mental wellness professional with the Tulare County Office of Education, bringing 12 years of experience in the mental health field to his role. His professional background includes serving as a rehabilitation specialist case manager and a crisis worker, equipping him with extensive expertise in providing critical support to individuals in need.

Currently working within a school setting, Yuban provides direct support to students navigating mental health and behavioral challenges. He focuses on teaching practical coping strategies that empower students to address their difficulties and build resilience.

Yuban is deeply committed to a collaborative approach, working closely with service providers across the county to ensure students and families receive comprehensive care and resources tailored to their needs. His dedication to fostering well-being and promoting positive outcomes makes him an invaluable advocate for the school community.

Session Title: Cyberbullying

Emilia Wade is a passionate advocate for equitable access to counseling services. She currently serves as a college and career engagement specialist with the Tulare County Office of Education. With over 15 years of experience as a school counselor and scholarship coordinator, Emilia has successfully secured funding, built community partnerships, and maximized limited resources to support student success.

Emilia has a master’s degree in school counseling and a PPS credential. She is committed to promoting student achievement through creative, sustainable school counseling initiatives.

Session Title: $how Me The Money! Funding a School Counseling Program Without a Budget: Creative Solutions for Resourceful Counselors

Laura Walls is the coordinator for the California Career Resource Network (CalCRN) program at the California Department of Education, where she is dedicated to equipping students with the tools and resources needed to explore and pursue meaningful career paths.

With over 20 years of experience in science and career education, Laura has contributed to some of California's most impactful educational initiatives. She played a key role in developing the California Science Test (CAST), the California Alternate Assessment for Science, and Smarter Tools for Teachers, demonstrating her expertise in creating innovative and accessible resources for educators and students alike.

Laura’s extensive background in both science and career education reflects her commitment to preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. Through her work with CalCRN, she continues to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to navigate their futures with confidence.

Session Title: Empower Students with Career Self-Management Tools