CUSD Counselor Spotlight : Heidi Davila

In celebration of National School Counseling Week, CUSD Insider is showcasing pro?les of the fantastic counselors we have throughout the District.

Today we are highlighting Heidi Davila, Capistrano Valley Futureology counselor.

Q : How long have you worked in CUSD?

A : This is my second year at CUSD.

Q : Describe your role in supporting student success at your school or in your department.

A : My role is to empower students in navigating career exploration and the college admissions process. I foster student success by building their confidence in pursuing future college and career goals and providing them with a clear roadmap to achieve those objectives.

Q : What role do you play in the MTSS framework? How does this program benefit students in your opinion?

A : My role within the MTSS framework is to address the college and career readiness needs of students by providing support to all students. Some of these supports include school-wide initiatives that promote a college-going culture, such as providing college and career readiness lessons, planning college fairs, and conducting financial aid workshops. In my role, I routinely analyze data to refine the support I provide and to identify students who require more targeted interventions.

Q : How long have you worked professionally in school counseling?

A : I have over 15 years of experience as a professional counselor. In my role as a high school counselor, I have served at Green Dot Public Schools, Sonoma Unified School District, and Vacaville Unified School District. Additionally, as a part-time community college counselor, I have worked at Sacramento City College and Napa Valley College.

Q : What college degrees and professional certifications do you hold?

A : I hold an Ed.D. in educational leadership from the University of Southern California, an M.A. in counseling from Loyola Marymount University, and a B.A. in world arts and cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Q : What do you find most rewarding about counseling work?

A : What I find most rewarding about counseling work is the opportunity to interact with such a diverse range of people. Whether it's students, parents, staff, community members, or college representatives, each brings their own unique perspective and experiences. It's exciting to see things from different angles and to be part of a process where we can all work together to create positive change.

Q : When you were in school, did you have an impactful experience with a counselor?

A : I did not have an impactful experience with a counselor during high school. Attending a large school with over 4,000 students, I never had the opportunity to meet with my high school counselor. As the first in my family to attend college, I was able to navigate the admissions process thanks to UCLA's Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP). Through this program, a Bruin Advisor guided me on admissions requirements and helped me understand the steps needed to achieve my goals. Later, as an undergraduate at UCLA, I worked as a Bruin Advisor through a work-study position. This experience inspired me to become a counselor, enabling me to provide the support and guidance to students that I once needed.

Q : How do counselors in CUSD help support one another?

A : The counselors in CUSD are incredibly supportive, and I am fortunate to be part of two exceptional teams of counselors, CVHS and Futureology, who are both highly knowledgeable and deeply passionate about their work.

Q : What is the one thing you would want families to know about your role in student success that they might not be aware of?

A : One important aspect of the counselor's role in student success that families may not always be aware of is the amount of work we do behind the scenes to support students. The counseling role is multifaceted and involves coordinating various resources, advocating for students, and collaborating with staff, families, and external partners to create a supportive environment. It's a complex role, but it's incredibly rewarding to be part of the process that helps students thrive.

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