School counselors are instrumental in assisting students with emotional management and guiding them toward academic and career achievements.

The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) recently announced the recipients of its annual K-12 School Counselors of the Year awards. We are proud to share that three Chapman University alumni are among the honorees: Carlyn Morones, ‘20, Brittany Springle ‘11, and Alexandra Vargas ‘15.

This recognition aligns with the upcoming National School Counseling Week, celebrated in the first full week of February. This year’s theme, ‘School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,’ highlights the significant role counselors play in fostering student success.

Established six years ago, the Orange County School Counselor Recognition Program by OCDE aims to spotlight the region’s top professional counselors and their impact on students and educational environments.

Nominated by peers and students, our Attallah College alumni will be honored at the OCDE School Counselor Symposium on February 7, 2024.

Join us in congratulating our Attallah College graduates on this prestigious achievement.

Carlyn Morones

Carlyn Morones
School Counselor at El Toro High School (Saddleback Valley Unified School District)
MA School Counseling ‘20

How did Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies help prepare you for your school counseling career?

One thing the School Counseling program prepared me for in my career is the importance of consultation and collaboration. I graduated from Chapman fully prepared to work with staff members across departments and even across other school sites. As a Chapman graduate, I understand that the insight of others will help me grow as a school counselor, and I utilize consultation and collaboration to ensure we are serving our students to our fullest ability.  

What advice would you share with our students graduating in the Spring? 

Never lose sight of your relationships with your students. We know that having a positive relationship with one trusted adult is an amazing protective factor for youth. Even amidst the day-to-day chaos of being a school counselor, it is essential that you prioritize your relationships with your students. Your to-do list will be long, and your days will be busy, but never forget the impact you can have on a student by greeting them with a warm smile and by creating a safe and loving space for them each and every day.

Brittany Springle

Brittany Springle
Adelaide Price Elementary School (Anaheim Elementary School District)
MA School Counseling ‘11

How did Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies help prepare you for your school counseling career?

I really enjoyed my experience at Chapman. My cohort was very close, and I appreciated our group projects. I think that collaborating with my classmates was essential in providing experiences to learn and work together effectively, that I have been able to use throughout my career. Although the role of a school counselor often feels isolating, utilizing the strengths of my fellow counselors at a district level enables me to be a better educator as my time and efforts can be maximized to support my students. 

What advice would you share with our students graduating in the Spring?

Be confident in your strengths and skills but be humble enough to ask questions. It’s a difficult balance, but the interns that have shown the most promise over the years have been the ones who realize their strengths and skills and confidently put themselves out there to respond and take on roles when needed. Then, they also aren’t afraid to say when they need help or more information and are eager to seek out the answers themselves. 

Alexandra Vargas

Alexandra Vargas
Esencia K-8 School (Capistrano Unified School District)
MA School Counseling ‘15

How did Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies help prepare you for your school counseling career?

 I felt really prepared to advocate for students and for the profession of school counseling. I also had a comfortability with data collection and presentation.

What advice would you share with our students graduating in the Spring?

Get into the classroom as much as possible! It is the best way to connect with students develop relationships with teachers, and it normalizes seeking support on campus; and then be ready for the influx of self-referrals that will come your way!