Perri Rose Griffin

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

Benicia , California

My Greatest Supporters

Family , friends and my daughter Lilly

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Coming to class and enjoying the beautiful campus

My Next Chapter

Work on completing my clinical hours in hopes of receiving my Marriage and Family Therapy License, and specializing in Maternal Mental Health.

Favorite Quote

To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear.
— -Steven Levine
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Yanira Toscano

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

San Pablo, CA

My Greatest Supporters

Growing up in a small ranching village in coastal Michoacán Mexico gave me many lessons in familial relationships and dynamics that have influenced my professional journey.
I am lucky to have the support of my huge Mexican family and wonderful friends that have become my greatest supporters.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite SMC part was Dr. Fleuridas’s personal and professional development class as she set the stage for a successful counseling program.

My Next Chapter

After graduation, I will continue at my practicum site as a clinician providing early intervention in psychosis.

Clubs and Activities

I love being outdoors especially hiking and swimming

Favorite Quote

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

— -Jon Kabat-Zan

Karime Blanco

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Berkeley, CA.

My Greatest Supporters

My community of friends and family have shown me love, grace, celebrated my small wins, and held me accountable every step of the way.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite SMC memory is simply spending time with the strong friendships I cultivated in my cohort. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such strong, capable and conscientious individuals.

My Next Chapter

For the 2021-2022 scholastic year, I'll be working with the Berkeley Unified School District and continuing to develop my practice as a School Psychologist. I'm looking forward to incorporating social justice, trust, support and healing at the crux of my work.

Favorite Quote

"The classroom, with all its limitations, remains a location of possibility. In that field of possibility we have the opportunity to labor for freedom, to demand of ourselves and our comrades, an openness of mind and heart that allows us to face reality even as we collectively imagine ways to move beyond boundaries, to transgress. This is education as the practice of freedom."
— bell hooks

Ericka Meisenheimer

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

San Mateo, California

My Greatest Supporters

I am beyond thankful for the amazing support, patience, love, and encouragement my family has provided for me on this journey. I could not have done this without you.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Walking around campus in between breaks with some of the most amazing people I have met.

My Next Chapter

School Psychologist at Kennedy Middle School

Favorite Quote

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. "

— Maya Angelou

Prisma Singh Walia

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Newark, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters have been God, my Parents, my Husband, and my puppy! Thank you Momma and Daddy ji for all your sacrifices and pushing me for higher education. My patient loving Husband of mine, thank you for being my cheerleader & for not letting me give up during these past 3 years. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength and endurance.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

The fondest memories at SMC was when Dr. Anguiano & Dr. Martinez interviewed me. To see empowered LatinX woman in position was encouraging, being a person of color myself. Dr. Anguiano has always been in my corner and helped me in the most challenging times. Lastly, I will cherish the bonds I created with my peers, often sharing Hot Cheetos & walking each other to our cars at night to avoid deers!

My Next Chapter

I will be a School Psychologist serving the beautiful community of High schoolers in Oakland, Ca!

Favorite Quote

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -Maya Angelou
And then I realized that to be more alive I had to be less afraid so I did it… I lost my fear and gained my whole life.

Valeria Analyssa Gonzalez

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Clayton, CA

My Greatest Supporters

I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in all of my decisions, my brother for listening to me when I needed to vent, and mis abuelitos for always encouraging me to follow my dreams. I couldn’t have done it without you, I love you all.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

I will forever cherish all of the friendships I have made throughout my journey.

My Next Chapter

I am excited to begin my career as a school psychologist.

Favorite Quote

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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Phoebe Elizabeth Stevens

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Rachel J. Kuiper

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Walnut Creek, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My husband, Cole, for encouraging me to explore a new career after entering my 30's. My sister for mentoring me about the path I chose. My parents and brother, for listening to countless stories about school around the firepit. My father-in-law, for making the decision to return to school a no-brainer. My FRIENDS for being simply amazing!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My greatest SMC memories are the moments making small connections and lifelong friends with others in the Counseling department and School Psych cohort. My first assessment class with Jodi Couick also holds a special place in my heart. And I'll never forget bringing my pup Sullivan along for a class demonstration about animal therapy!

My Next Chapter

I look forward to working as a school psychologist serving high school students with diverse academic and mental health needs. My days will be filled with assessment, counseling, and consulting with educators and families. I can't wait to have an impact on the communities in which I was raised and support teenagers as they navigate high school and prepare for their adult futures!

Favorite Quote

"Jim Abbott"
— -Henry Pollard
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Amanda Suarez

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

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Amanda A. Nelson

Special Education Teaching Credential

Hometown

Modesto, CA

My Greatest Supporters

To my husband, my dad, my mom, Auntie, my co-workers, my STUDENTS and many other family members and friends: Thank you!!! Without your patience and support, this would not have been possible.

Favorite Quote

"Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them."

"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." -Steinbeck

"...when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret." -Matthew 6:3