Meet Our Team

School Services Department

Melinda Ortiz
Director of School Services

Tina Porter
District Social Worker
Foster & Homeless Youth Liaison
MSW Intern Program Coordinator
PIP Coordinator

Martha Martinez
ABC Cares CRC Coordinator

Susana Sanchez
School Psychologist
CRT Case Manager

Jessica Boles
Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

Marina Clarke

Mental Health Professional

Mental Health Professionals and School Social Workers

Please click on the school name to be directed to the school website or school mental health website if available.

Everett Burnett (Mr. B)

Aliya Elkawa - MSW Intern

Hello! My name is Everett Burnett (or Mr. B as your students will call me) and I'm the Mental Health Professional at Aloha Health Medical Academy. My goal for this school year is to empower students with the confidence they need to be successful scholars in their classroom and positive role-models in their community. I believe in restorative practices that helps to build healthy relationships and repair trust within the school. A little bit about me -- I enjoy theme parks, playing basketball, and binge-watching Gordon Ramsey reality shows. Let's have a great school year!

Hello! My name is Aliya Elkawa and I am the MHP/Social Work Intern at Aloha Elementary School. I’m a 2nd year intern at the University of Southern California where I am pursuing my MSW and PPSC with the goal of working in the school setting after graduation. I completed my first year internship with ABC, spending the year at Haskell MS, and am very excited to be back with the district to continue toward this path of supporting mental health in this community.  When not in school mode I enjoy spending time at the beach, snowboarding, and napping with my two cats— Looking forward to a great year ahead! 

Christina Pereira- AMFT

Hello! My name is Christina Pereira and I am the Mental Health Professional at Bragg Elementary. This is my sixth year at Bragg and it makes me so happy to have become familiar with so many students and families.  When I initially started college, my goal was to become a teacher and after a few twists and turns it makes sense that I would end up working in a school setting, but I get to educate students about something that I am passionate about: mental health. Some of my favorite things to do in my spare time include chasing after my toddler, crocheting, and baking. 

Sonia Flores - LCSW, PPSC

Cole Stephenson - MSW Intern

Sonia Flores, LCSW/PPSC values the social work perspective that Burbank ES brings to support students' socio emotional learning and academic success. Mrs. Flores loves to draw and listen to music just like many of her students:) She is married and mother to 2 children and a 4 year old English Bulldog named "Fatty". Her true loves are Starbies coffee, her "Fatty" and being part of your school community at Burbank. 

Kyra Rush - ACSW, PPSC

Diana Cing - MSW Intern

Kyra Rush, ACSW/PPSC is the mental health professional for Carver Academy. Her passion is promoting a positive school climate that is safe and inclusive for all students. When not connecting students, families and communities Mrs. Rush loves to be outdoors. She recently moved to the beach with her husband where she can be found petting any dog that walks by:) "Carver Cares" every day for every student. Don't hesitate to reach out to her:)

Hello! My name is Diana Cing and I am the School Social Worker intern at Carver Academy and Tracy High School for the 2022/2023 school year. I am a second-year Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California (Fight On!). I decided to be a school social worker because I love connecting with children and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the ABC school district community. I look forward to meeting and working alongside students, families, and staff members in a collaborative environment. A little fun fact about me: When I am not in school or connecting with students and families, I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter and our two dogs, lemonade and Taylor Swift, who bring us some much joy everyday. And, I also enjoy baking.

Portia Blankson (Ms. B) - MSW, PPSC

Hello ABC Family! I am the current school social worker at Cerritos Elementary. I hold a Master's degree in Social Work from CSU, Fullerton as well as a pupil services credential with an emphasis in Social Work. I aim provide our students with the tools needed to achieve social and academic success. As a School Social Worker,  I have the joy of working with students through classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individual counseling. I also collaborate with school staff and families in order to best meet the needs of the students. I believe that all students can attain academic achievement, according to their own unique strengths and abilities.  

Contact me at: portia.blankson@abcusd.us

Brittany Bounds 

Elizabeth Partida - MSW Intern

Hello! My name is Brittany Bounds and I am the Mental Health Professional / School Social Worker at Elliott Elementary this school year. I am so excited to work with you and your student to help them reach their fullest potential! A little about me, I graduated from Seattle University with my Bachelors in Psychology, I also graduated from California State University Long Beach with my Masters in Social Work and my Pupil Personnel Services Credential.  

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Partida and I am a Mental Health Professional / School Social Worker Intern at Elliott Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year! I am a second-year Master of Social Work student at USC and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve the Elliott community for my first-year field internship. I look forward to meeting and working alongside students, families, and staff members in a collaborative environment! A little fun note about me: when I’m not in school or connecting with students and families, I enjoy spending time with my three cats – Bella, Boots, and Muffin, who keep me running around all day (:

Esmeralda Garcia 

Hello! I am excited to support the students of Furgeson this year. 

Betsy Medina Duran - ASW, PPSC

Greetings ABC families,

 My name is Betsy Medina (Ms. Betsy) and I am the Mental Health Professional/ School Social Worker at Gonsalves Elementary, home of the Grizzlies! I’m a proud CSULB Alumni for both my undergraduate and graduate studies in the field of social work. I hold my Pupil Personnel Credential. Currently I am completing my Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. When not serving students and families I enjoy spending time with my family, my dog Coco, hiking, running and going to Disney!

 Please contact me for any support or resources. Hablo Español.

#Mentalhealthmatters

“Once a Grizzly, Always a Grizzly

Silvia Duarte - ACSW, PPSC

Jenna Lumar - MSW Intern

Hi! My name is Silvia Duarte MSW/PPSC and I am the Mental Health Professional/School Social Worker at Hawaiian Elementary School, home of the Eagles! My favorite things to do are running, hiking, trying out new restaurants and traveling with my husband and daughter. I love a good black coffee paired with a sweet pastry. When not spending quality time with my family you will find me servicing our community and providing mental health support to our Soaring Eagles! 

Hello everyone! My name is Jenna Lumar and I am a new MSW intern at Hawaiian Elementary school. I am a first-year graduate student from the University of Southern California, School of Social Work, and will be working to provide educational, behavioral, and mental health support for students, as well as teach social-emotional skills, and promote access to resources. I have lived in this neighborhood my entire life, so I am excited to be able to give back to my community. I am looking forward to learning all I can and building lasting relationships with students and families!

Melody Clark - ACSW, PPSC

Melody Clark, ACSW, PPSC, grew up in Dallas, Texas, and received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. She moved to the Los Angeles area in 2015 and has enjoyed the perfect weather ever since! She has a passion for being an integral part of the school community and helping support students' and families' social emotional well-being. In her down time, she enjoys visiting the botanic garden and the beach with her husband and two daughters.

Brittany Carlos - LCSW, PPSC

Brittany Carlos, LCSW/PPSC: I am the Mental Health Professional/School Social Worker at Kennedy STEM Academy. A little about me, I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with my Bachelors in Liberal Studies and graduated from University of Southern California with my Masters in Social Work and my Pupil Personnel Services Credential. I became a school social worker to help students access their full potential in their educational experience. My passion is promoting a positive school climate that is safe and inclusive for all students. Outside of work, I love to focus on my mental health, which includes time with my family, pets and friends, enjoying delicious food and going on walks or hikes. 

Tiffany Rollerson - ACSW, PPSC

Hello! My name is Tiffany Rollerson and I am the Mental Health Professional/School Social Worker at Leal Elementary school. I am so excited to be placed at Leal, working with such amazing students. I graduated from Vanguard University with a Bachelors in Psychology/ Theatre Arts, and graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work with my Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

Valeria Jimenez

Magda Socorro - MSW Intern

Hello! I am excited to support the students of Melbourne this year. 

Hello! My name is Magda Socorro, and I am the Mental Health Professional/Master of Social Work Intern at Melbourne Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year. I am a first year graduate student at USC and received my undergraduate degree at Cal State Long Beach. I am so excited to be at Melbourne this year and work with all our families and school staff to support our students through the year. Outside of school and work, I love to go to the beach, spend time with my dogs, and go to concerts. Doing these things help me find balance during this very busy year!   

Alithza Bernabe 

Bryan Almeida - MSW/PPSC Intern

Hello! My name is Alithza Bernabe and I am the Mental Health Professional/School Social Worker at Niemes Elementary School. I graduated from California State University with my bachelors in Child Development and with my masters in Social Work. My goal as a mental health professional is to help students reach their full potential and provide a safe, nonjudgmental and supportive environment for all students. When not serving students and families I enjoy spending my time with my family, in the outdoors, and exploring new places. 

Bryan Almeida, an MSW (CSULB-Go Beach!) intern at both Gahr High School and Niemes Elementary School decided to set out to become a school social worker after seeing the impact he had on students while working as a mentor in the greater Los Angeles area. As an aspiring school social worker, he enjoys participating in the SEL movement that has recently made strides improving mental health across ABCUSD. His goal is to make a change in the lives of the youth he meets and inspire them to believe that they can achieve more than what they dream! 

Stephanie Gonzalez - ACSW, PPSC

Your local Mental Health Professional that is motivated to guide families in receiving social-emotional learning tips and help everyone reach their full potential. Whether there are concerns that are within the school and/or home environment, my goal is to collaborate with everyone "in the village" so we all have the opportunity to work together and make their aspirations come to life. 

Joshua Pena 

Hello! I am excited to support the students of Palms this year. 


Hinna Parwaiz - LCSW, PPSC

Hello, my name is Hinna Parwaiz and I am the MHP at Stowers Elementary School. I value creating a diverse and calming environment for all students alike. One of my main goals on campus is to create a safe place for anyone including students, families, and staff members to express themselves. When not supporting the Stowers Snow Leopards, I enjoy going to historic art museums and local coffee shops. Fun Fact: my favorite time of the year is Spooky Season and rumor has it that you can find tiny pumpkins and Halloween knick- knacks around my office all year round. If you are curious to meet me, I would love for you to stop by and chat. I love my profession and most importantly being of help.  

Jewelle Cairo - ACSW

Caitlyn Berry - MSW Intern

Hi! My name is Jewelle Cairo and I am the Mental Health Professional at Willow Elementary School, home of the Wolf Pack! I have my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Here at Willow I am proud to have collaborated with our fellow Wolf Pack staff members in creating a Mindfulness Garden to prioritize mental health for our students and bring awareness to our community. I am from San Diego where you will find me on some weekends doing my favorite things: swimming, hiking, and eating sushi with my family.

Hi! My name is Caitlyn Berry and I am the MSW Intern at Willow Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year! I am in my first year of graduate school at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and loving it! I am passionate about helping children and adolescents receive mental health services so that they can experience positive coping skills and healthy emotional development. In my free time, you'll find me at a coffee shop, reading a book or playing with my dogs! Excited to work with your kiddos, so let's have a great year!

Daisy Mayer - ACSW, PPSC

Daisy Mayer, ACSW/PPSC is a mental health professional for Wittmann Elementary. She received her Master’s in Social Work and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from University of Southern California and bachelor's in Liberal Studies from Cal State University of Long Beach. Daisy is passionate about helping children improve their mental health in order for them to reach their fullest potential. During her spare time, Daisy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new restaurants/coffee shops and traveling. 

Coming Soon!

Coming soon!

Mayte Larios - LCSW, PPSC

Lisset Magdaleno - MSW Intern

Hi!  My name is Mayte Larios and I am the Mental Health Professional/School Social Worker at Fedde Academy.  I have lived in Hawaiian Gardens my entire life so it has been a real privilege to be able to serve my community in this role.  I take seriously the responsibility to advocate for the mental health needs of our students and have enjoyed connecting with our Fedde Knights.  When I’m not at Fedde I enjoy spending time with my dogs (Diva and Snoopy), going to Disneyland, and reading. 

Hello! My name is Lisset Magdaleno  and I am a MSW/ School Social Work Intern at Fedde Academy for the 2022-2023 school year! I am a second-year Master of Social Work student at USC. I chose to pursue Social Work after seeing how the middle and high school students and families I worked with were affected by the pandemic and inspired by my passion for education and equity. Fun fact about me is that I lived in the Hudson Valley in New York for 4 years during college and studied abroad in London. When not at my internship, I enjoy hanging out with my two dogs (Taco and Jack Jack), going to concerts, and watching a lot of Netflix. I am happy to be supporting the Fedde community!

Rosa Hernandez - LCSW

Alejandra Pena - MSW Intern

I am the Mental Health Professional / School Social Worker at Haskell Middle School this school year. A little about me, I graduated from California State University Fullerton with my Bachelors in Sociology, I also graduated from the University of Southern California with my Masters in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves. As a dedicated LCSW, my background includes working in the MH profession since 2006 in an array of various positions and organizations. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations both inside and outside the classroom setting. I possess strong clinical and organization skills, fluent in Spanish and demonstrate a commitment to serving children and their families. I am married and a mother to 2 children and a 13 year old Terrier-mix poodle named "Jack".

Hello! My name is Alejandra Pena and I am a MSW intern at Haskell Middle School for the 2022-2023 school year. I am a first year intern from USC and I am so excited to be supporting the students, staff, and families at Haskell! In my free time I love hanging out with my dog Maxx :)

Elizabeth Cruz 

Mei Louie - MSW Intern

Elizabeth Partida - MSW Intern

Elizabeth Cruz 

Hello! I am excited to support the students of Ross this year. 

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Partida and I am a Mental Health Professional / School Social Worker Intern at Ross Middle School for the 2022-2023 school year! I am a second-year Master of Social Work student at USC and I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve the Ross community for my first-year field internship. I look forward to meeting and working alongside students, families, and staff members in a collaborative environment! A little fun note about me: when I’m not in school or connecting with students and families, I enjoy spending time with my three cats – Bella, Boots, and Muffin, who keep me running around all day (:

Hello! My name is Mei Louie and I am the  School Social Work Intern at Ross Middle School this year. I am a student in my first year of the Master's in Social Work program at Cal State Long Beach (Go Beach!). I am looking forward to serving the Ross community and getting to know the students and families. I will strive to create a safe space for students, working alongside school staff, to meet their needs to support their academic environment and well-being. A couple fun facts about me: I am a Bay Area native and recently started taking hip hop dance classes. 

Isel Alvarez - ACSW

Hello my name is Isel Alvarez, I am the Mental Health Professional at Tetzlaff Middle School. My goal is to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We ensure our students at Tetzlaff are Ready, Responsible and Respectful. A little bit about me, I am an ABC product and happy to be working with my community. I received my Master's in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach along with my Pupil Personnel Services Credential.

Nancy Gutierrez - ASW
Cirilida Martinez - M.S., LMFT

Hello! My name is Nancy Gutierrez, ASW, I am the Mental Health Professional/ School Social Worker at Artesia High School. I am excited to meet and support you through your educational journey thus far. I graduated from California State University Fullerton, home of the Titans, with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services. I later returned to CSUF to graduate with a Master's degree in Social Work. In my spare time, I enjoy baking and spending time with my family and loved ones. I am looking forward to meeting you and working together on making this a great year Pioneers!

Hello! I am excited to support the students of Artesia this year. 


Araceli Matthews - ACSW
Anna Garcia - LCSW 

Aliya Elkawa - MSW Intern

Araceli Gonzalez Matthews, an East LA native is a Mental Health Professional at Cerritos High School and supervises grad-student interns. She previously worked for Los Angeles Department and Children and Family Services (DCFS) for over 27 where she worked in emergency response protecting children and working with families. She received her Master's in Social Work at California State University, Long Beach.  She is motivated by the mission to help those who are mentally-challenged encountering crises and aid in discovering helpful resources and support for them.  Araceli is blessed to have a broad networking collaboration with several agencies, organizations, and especially individuals to further assist families.      

Hello! My name is Anna Garcia, I am one of the Mental Health Professionals at Cerritos High School this school year. I look forward to supporting our students' socioemotional learning and academic success. A little about me, I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Minor in Applied Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I also graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with my Masters in Social Work.

Hello! My name is Aliya Elkawa and I am the MHP/ Social Work Intern at Cerritos High School. I’m a 2nd year intern at the University of Southern California where I am pursuing my MSW and PPSC with the goal of working in the school setting after graduation. I completed my first year internship with ABC, spending the year at Haskell MS, and am very excited to be back with the district to continue toward this path of supporting mental health in this community.  When not in school mode I enjoy spending time at the beach, snowboarding, and napping with my two cats— Looking forward to a great year ahead! 

Jazmeelah Smith
Marisol Zobler - MSW, PPSC

Bryan Almeida - MSW Intern

Hello! My name is Jazmeelah Smith and I am one of two Mental Health Professional/School Social Workers at Gahr High School. I completed my Undergraduate program at the University of California, Santa Barbara (Go Gauchos!) and completed my Graduate program at the University of Southern California (Go Trojans!) My hobbies include traveling, cheering my children on in sporting events, and relaxing at the beach. I am very passionate about School Social Work and enjoy working with students and families to assist in breaking down barriers to achieve academic success, and to increase resiliency skills. With many years of servicing youth and families, I continue to strive to encourage and empower our students & families to increase family engagement as well as establish community partnerships to create a strong system of support while utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. 

My name is Mrs. Zobler and I am a Mental Health Professional at Gahr High School. I received my Bachelor degree in Psychology in New York; afterwards I attended CSULB and graduated with a Master of Social Work degree. My hobbies include cooking and baking, spending time with my family, watching my youngest daughter play soccer, and going shopping with my oldest daughter.. My favorite food is salmon. I am passionate about helping students perform their best to reach their full potential in school and beyond. I would like to increase family engagement by encouraging families to be more involved in their students' academic journey. I look forward to collaborating with others to maximize the services we provide for all of our families.

Bryan Almeida, an MSW (CSULB-Go Beach!) intern at both Gahr High School and Niemes Elementary School decided to set out to become a school social worker after seeing the impact he had on students while working as a mentor in the greater Los Angeles area. As an aspiring school social worker, he enjoys participating in the SEL movement that has recently made strides improving mental health across ABCUSD. His goal is to make a change in the lives of the youth he meets and inspire them to believe that they can achieve more than what they dream! 

Erica Hartley

Lisset Magdaleno - MSW Intern

Diana Cing - MSW Intern

Hello! My name is Erica Hartley and I am the Mental Health Professional/School Social Worker at Tracy High School Alternative Programs. I could not be happier to be placed at Tracy and be able to provide support to all of our amazing students. I graduated from San Jose State with a Bachelors in Psychology and graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a Masters in Social Work. I am married with 2 incredible children and enjoy my time with my family when I am not at work. I love traveling, listening to music, movie nights and just enjoying the simple things in life. I can also never turn down an In-N-Out burger =). I am passionate about the importance of mental health and helping others in any way I can. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out =).

Hello! My name is Diana Cing and I am the School Social Worker intern at Carver Academy and Tracy High School for the 2022/2023 school year. I am a second-year Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California (Fight On!). I decided to be a school social worker because I love connecting with children and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the ABC school district community. I look forward to meeting and working alongside students, families, and staff members in a collaborative environment. A little fun fact about me: When I am not in school or connecting with students and families, I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter and our two dogs, lemonade and Taylor Swift, who bring us some much joy everyday. And, I also enjoy baking.

Hello! My name is Lisset Magdaleno  and I am a MSW/ School Social Work Intern at Tracy High School for the 2022-2023 school year! I am a second-year Master of Social Work student at USC. I chose to pursue Social Work after seeing how the middle and high school students and families I worked with were affected by the pandemic and inspired by my passion for education and equity. Fun fact about me is that I lived in the Hudson Valley in New York for 4 years during college and studied abroad in London. When not at my internship, I enjoy hanging out with my two dogs (Taco and Jack Jack), going to concerts, and watching a lot of Netflix. I am looking forward to supporting Tracy students to meet their needs and goals!

Irene Ballesteros - APCC, PPSC
Easter Robles - LCSW, PPSC

Cole Stephenson - MSW Intern

My name is Irene Ballesteros, APCC/PPSC and I am the Mental Health Professional at Whitney High School. I attended Cal State Long Beach for undergrad and Loyola Marymount University for my masters in Counseling. I love working with students and supporting them to reach their full potential. I believe in fostering an environment that empowers students. When I am not working with my students I love spending time with my family and friends, trying new restaurants, hiking and buying new plants!

Mrs. Easter is a Tracy High School alumni and is proud to give back as an employee of ABCUSD. She received her undergraduate degree in Criminology, Law & Society from UC Irvine and her master's degree in Social Work from the Cal State University of Fullerton. She is passionate about helping and advocating for a safe environment for students to learn and be their true selves. When she is not working, she enjoys eating out and spending time with her new baby and family.