Denise Cabanilla is the senior director of Higher Education and Adult Learning at the Imperial County Office of Education. In this role, she leads a dynamic team focused on key initiatives including college and career readiness, workforce development, adult education, and comprehensive school counseling. She also provides support and guidance to school counselors across the county and is a proud founding member of the County Offices of Education Leadership for School Counseling (COELSC), a statewide leadership network.

With more than 20 years of experience, Denise is deeply committed to advancing the education and well-being of students, staff, and families in Imperial County. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to expanding access, fostering personal growth, and promoting participation in, and completion of, post-secondary education.

Edgar is a shenanigator and hugger - dedicated to making soft skills feel less like training and more like transformation. He designs experiences that build empathy, courage, and lasting impact. 

As the CEO and founder of IMAGO, and chair of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, Edgar brings over 20 years of leadership training experience. He has partnered with school districts, workforce boards, and businesses across the country to rethink how we grow human potential in education and work. 

Guided by his belief to “seek to love” and “embrace the awkward,” Edgar imagines a world rooted in authentic relationships - where people are equipped to meet life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. 

If your curiosity is piqued, come find him - he’d love to connect.

Brandon Castro serves as board secretary for the California Association of School Counselors (CASC) and is an elementary school counselor with Merced City School District. He also trains future counselors as an adjunct counselor educator at California State University, Stanislaus.

A passionate advocate for student well‑being, Brandon is dedicated to promoting youth mental health and fostering safe, inclusive learning environments. He plays an active leadership role within CASC, contributing to the Social Justice, Equity & Anti‑Racism Committee, the Nominations & Elections Committee, and the Government Relations Committee.

Session Title: Building Bridges: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Family Night

Diego Castro is a dedicated education leader serving as chair of the CASC Board, chair of the CASC Nominations & Elections Committee, and CASC Central California Representative. He actively contributes to Government Relations and Social Justice, Equity, and Anti‑Racism. With 10 years of experience as a school counselor, Diego works at Merced City School District and serves as an adjunct instructor at California State University, Stanislaus. He earned the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation in 2019 and was named the 2026 California School Counselor of the Year.

Session Title: Building Bridges: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Family Night

Elicia Cisneros is an elementary school counselor with five years of experience supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development. She works collaboratively with students, families, and school staff to foster confidence, build positive relationships, and strengthen problem-solving skills.

Elicia is deeply committed to creating a safe and supportive school environment where every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed. Her passion for student well-being guides her work as she helps young learners develop the skills they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

Session Title: Every Day Counts: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Strategies for Improving Student Attendance and Academics in Elementary School Counseling

Monica Godoy is a Lindsay High School alumna and graduate of California State University, Fresno. She currently serves as a school counselor at Lindsay High School, where she is committed to supporting students’ academic, personal, and postsecondary success. As a counselor and community member, Monica brings a strong connection to the Lindsay community and a deep understanding of the students and families she serves.

Session Title: Setting up a Comprehensive College and Career Lesson Schedule for all Learners, Incorporating CCGI

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: How to Master the Common App

Shelsy Hutchison has 12 years of experience in education and is a college and career engagement specialist with College and Career Readiness (CCR) at the Tulare County Office of Education. In her position at CCR, she oversees the California CTE Leadership Development Institute (LDI). Shelsy holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Chapman University, a Master of Business Administration from Brandman University, and CTE credentials in business and finance, and marketing, sales and service. Her diverse career spans industries including sales, marketing, education, and entrepreneurship. With a passion for bridging education and industry, Shelsy is committed to equipping CTE leaders with the skills and networks needed to drive innovation and student success.

Session Title: Micro-WBL: Transforming Student Careers in 15 Minutes or Less

Jose Magallanes is a Golden West High School alumnus and a graduate of California State University, Fresno. He has experience serving as a school counselor at Lindsay High School and Los Banos High School, supporting students in academic planning and postsecondary readiness. Jose brings a strong commitment to student success and community engagement. He is married and the parent of two young children.

Session Title: Setting up a Comprehensive College and Career Lesson Schedule for all Learners, Incorporating CCGI

Session Title: Every Day Counts: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Strategies for Improving Student Attendance and Academics in Elementary School Counseling

Aaliyah Marin is a dedicated fourth-year elementary school counselor at Visalia Unified School District, where she focuses on strengthening campus climate and culture. She is a strong advocate for students, ensuring their voices are heard while creating a safe, equitable, and accessible environment that supports academic, career, and social-emotional growth. Through close collaboration with parents, teachers, and staff, Aaliyah works to remove barriers to learning and help every student feel supported and valued.

Aaliyah aims to empower students to be positive role models through student leadership programs that support campus-wide anti-bullying efforts and student-led activities and projects. She is focused on developing schoolwide initiatives that celebrate student attendance and build schoolwide motivation and positivity. Guided by a clear mission and vision, Aaliyah is committed to helping all students recognize their worth, develop grit and resilience, and reach their fullest potential as confident learners and leaders.

Session Title: Every Day Counts: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Strategies for Improving Student Attendance and Academics in Elementary School Counseling

Marcela Serratos is a Lindsay High School alumna and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has served as a school counselor at both Lindsay High School and Washington Elementary School in the Lindsay Unified School District. Marcela is dedicated to guiding students through their academic journeys while supporting their social and emotional development.

Session Title: Setting up a Comprehensive College and Career Lesson Schedule for all Learners, Incorporating CCGI

Ken Spencer, Ed.D. is a Coalinga High School alumnus with degrees from Brigham Young University, California State University, Fresno, and the University of the Pacific. He brings extensive experience in education, having worked in Corcoran Joint Unified, Visalia Unified, Delano Union Elementary , Porterville Unified, and Lindsay Unified School District. Ken is dedicated to student advocacy and educational leadership and is married with four adult children.

Session Title: Setting up a Comprehensive College and Career Lesson Schedule for all Learners, Incorporating CCGI

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: Every Day Counts: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Strategies for Improving Student Attendance and Academics in Elementary School Counseling

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: Building Potential, One Blueprint at a Time

Session Title: A High School Counselor's Toolkit for English Learner Success

Anna Heinbuch, Ed.D., is an educational leader and advocate for equitable student outcomes. With over 15 years of experience as a school counselor, district administrator, and statewide trainer, she has developed trauma-informed SEL curricula and coached hundreds of educators on evidence-based strategies for student wellness. Her work as a county office of education administrator centers on building school counselors’ capacity to address systemic inequities through data-driven, healing-centered interventions. Anna earned her doctorate in educational leadership with a focus in educational psychology from the University of Southern California, where her dissertation emphasized culturally responsive curriculum design. She is the founder of NeuroNurture Apoyo Educativo, LLC, and creator of Social Emotional Lotería, an instructional game for SEL skill-building, and is passionate about equipping educators with tools to support students with acquired neurodivergence and trauma.

Session Title: ¡Lotería, Con Corazón! ❤️🎉 Reimagining the Beloved Game to Spark Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Every Classroom

Mayra Leon-Fogg, LCSW, has a background in education, community-based youth support, and formerly served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Tulare County. She has over four years of experience providing school-based mental health services through the Tulare County Office of Education's Behavioral Health Services. Mayra is known for her creative, out-of-the-box strategies for engaging hard-to-reach and at-promise students, as well as her passion for connection-centered mental health practices. She co-develops and facilitates professional development focused on trauma-informed care, complex case navigation, and strengthening schoolwide mental wellness systems. Mayra is also a certified trainer in Mental Health First Aid and LivingWorks ASIST, bringing expertise in crisis response and suicide intervention to her work with students, families, and school teams.

Session Title: Complex Trauma & Disengagement in School Settings

Kim Madrona is a school counselor at her alma mater, Tulare Western High School, where she has three years of experience supporting students in academic planning, college and career readiness, and social-emotional growth. During this breakout session, she and her colleagues will discuss the Financial Aid Campaign and share practical strategies to support successful financial aid completion.

Session Title: Counselor Strategies for Financial Aid Completion

Kristin McKenna serves as the director of College and Career Readiness for Madera Unified School District, where she oversees 24 high school CTE pathways and their feeder programs. Through the College and Career Readiness department, she has led the development of a comprehensive 6th-grade career exploration program and a 7th-grade CTE-focused elective and specialty school, the Madera Technical Exploration Center. In addition, she oversees Dual Enrollment initiatives and Graduate Profile implementation.

Kristin is a former high school agriculture teacher and was recognized as the California FFA Star Administrator in 2019 and the Madera County Administrator of the Year in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from California State University, Fresno, and a Master of Science in agricultural education from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Session Title: Graduate Profiles: Preparing Future-Ready Students

Jennifer Padilla has 14 years of counseling experience, including 13 years as a high school counselor, one year as a middle school counselor, and one year as an adjunct counselor at Hartnell College, with the latter two roles occurring during the same year. She began her counseling career in 2012 in Soledad, California, and returned to the Central Valley in 2016. Jennifer has served as a school counselor at Mission Oak High School for the past 10 years, where she is dedicated to supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary success.

She earned her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree in school counseling from California State University, Northridge. Outside of her professional work, Jennifer enjoys watching sports, playing board games, and traveling with her husband and two sons.

Session Title: Counselor Strategies for Financial Aid Completion

Salvador Rodriguez is a proud first-generation college graduate. He is an alum of Woodlake High School with eight years of experience as a school counselor, including the past six years at Tulare Western High School. In his current role, he serves as the Financial Aid Coordinator and Premedical Academy Counselor, supporting students with college planning, financial aid navigation, and career pathway development.

Salvador holds a master’s degree in educational counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential and is committed to helping students access opportunities that support their academic and postsecondary success.

Session Title: Counselor Strategies for Financial Aid Completion

Fida Taha, LMFT, PPS, has over 20 years of experience working with youth and families throughout Tulare County. Her professional background spans public and private school settings, community youth programs, and mental health services for hard-to-reach students. Fida holds a Pupil Personnel Services credential and has been with the Tulare County Office of Education's Behavioral Health Services for 12 years; providing Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) and, more recently, delivering schoolwide interventions. Fida also co-develops and facilitates professional development and community-based training and is a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. Her work is grounded in relational connection, cultural responsiveness, and strengthening school mental health systems.

Session Title: Complex Trauma & Disengagement in School Settings

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: A High School Counselor's Toolkit for English Learner Success

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: Creating Opportunities for Students by Improving “A-G” completion

Brandon Gridiron, Ed.D. 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, Brandon 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.

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

Session Title: Future-Proofing Your Program: Navigating Administrator Relationships to Sustain Comprehensive Counseling Systems

Heather Jones holds a master's degree in school counseling as well as a PPS credential. She works in the Leadership Support Services 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: From Pre/Post to Progress: Measuring What Matters in School Counseling

Leslie Kelly is a 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: Beyond the Office: The School Counselor as Community Connector & Change Agent

With over 20 years in education, Lisa Lemus is a passionate advocate for human-centered, student-focused systems. She has served as a general education teacher, special education teacher, curriculum consultant, and now works as an improvement coach. A master practitioner of the Compassionate Systems framework, her work emphasizes systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection. Lisa partners with districts to improve structures and mindsets to better serve all learners. She is humbled by the opportunity to support meaningful change and remains inspired by the resilience of students and the dedication of educators.

Session Title: Cultivating Presence and Connection Through the Practice of Check-In

Connecting with young people and supporting them has been a passion of Lisa Parkin's since high school. As an Exeter Union High School alumnus, she is proud to be back at her alma mater, where her journey to becoming a school counselor began. Lisa graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in sociology. She then went on to receive her master's in counseling psychology and PPS credential from the University of San Francisco.  

Over the past 15 years, Lisa has dedicated her life to youth development through the CA Friday Night Live Partnership as a Prevention Specialist, SLO County Behavioral Health Student Support Counselor, middle school counselor, and now a high school counselor. Through her work with young people, families, and communities, she is a strong advocate for empowering young people to reach their full potential and be the best version of themselves. Lisa provides a comprehensive school counseling program, where ALL students have access to academic, social-emotional, and college/career support. Through Exeter Union High School’s school counseling program, students enhance their attitudes, skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed in preparation for post-secondary education, career development, and becoming productive citizens of our community. 

Danielle Quihuiz is a graduate student in the school counseling master’s program at Fresno Pacific University and a participant in the Optimum School Counselor Residency in Rural Settings. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and collaborating with community partners to support student success. 

Danielle is committed to fostering inclusive and supportive school environments that empower students to become positive, contributing members of their communities.

Session Title: Beyond the Office: The School Counselor as Community Connector & Change Agent

Sarah has been a counselor for 17 years with Madera Unified School District. She served as head counselor and the master schedule lead at Madera South High for nine years. Sarah is currently working at the district level as the Counselor on Special Assignment, supporting all secondary counselors in the district and working on the master schedule development for all middle schools and high schools. 

Session Title: Creating Opportunities for Students by Improving “A-G” completion