TOHS Counseling Philosophy and Mission
The counselors at Thousand Oaks High School believe that all students can learn and achieve and have the right to access and participate in the school counseling program. We believe in a holistic approach to school counseling that includes collaboration with multiple stakeholders in a student’s life and addresses and appreciates the uniqueness of each student. Our school counseling program is preventive in design and developmental in nature in order to provide direct academic, college and career, and social-emotional services to all students with additional services and supports to those who need them. We focus on the needs of our students within our school to shape them into academically sound 21st century learners and responsible members of our community within our global society.
Meet Your Counselors
Mrs. Britt
Education:
Bachelor Fine Art (BFA) in Film and Television Production, Chapman University
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, California Lutheran University
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California Lutheran University
Counseling Philosophy: I would say my life philosophy is that everything happens for a reason, as cliche as that sounds, but I've found it to be true. Everything that occurs leads us down a certain path and how we deal with these twists and turns is what make up our life story. Having said that, I would also say to know that you can ask for help and there are so many people who can support you. Asking for help in times of need is the most courageous thing a person can do. As a counselor, I am here to support my students with their life journey and help them to successfully navigate high school.
Favorite Quote: I don't have anything super meaningful but have a funny one from a movie...
From Valley Girl (best 80's movie ever!!!) - Nicolas Cage says it in reference to a girl staying in the car because she doesn't want to get out because they are in Hollywood and she thinks it's dangerous. He says to her "okay but when they attack the car, save the radio"... Then of course, she gets out. It's funny.
Interests: Anyone entering my office knows I still have a bit of whimsy in me. I love 80's movies and music, Disney, Barbies, Paris, and pop culture in general. I'm a huge NKOTB fan and proudly say I've seen them in concert 6 times (5 times as an adult). :) I love hanging out with my family and doing things with them, such as going to the beach, going to Disneyland, going on a road trip in my husband's Jeep, or just playing in the backyard. I love watching NFL football and gladly sit around all day Sunday watching Direct TV rooting for my team, which right now is both the Colts and the Broncos. I love to read and do creative things, like decoupage when I have the time. My mom is probably my best friend and we do a lot of fun things together, but I also love just hanging out with my boys - my husband and two sons.
Bachelor Fine Art (BFA) in Film and Television Production, Chapman University
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, California Lutheran University
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California Lutheran University
Counseling Philosophy: I would say my life philosophy is that everything happens for a reason, as cliche as that sounds, but I've found it to be true. Everything that occurs leads us down a certain path and how we deal with these twists and turns is what make up our life story. Having said that, I would also say to know that you can ask for help and there are so many people who can support you. Asking for help in times of need is the most courageous thing a person can do. As a counselor, I am here to support my students with their life journey and help them to successfully navigate high school.
Favorite Quote: I don't have anything super meaningful but have a funny one from a movie...
From Valley Girl (best 80's movie ever!!!) - Nicolas Cage says it in reference to a girl staying in the car because she doesn't want to get out because they are in Hollywood and she thinks it's dangerous. He says to her "okay but when they attack the car, save the radio"... Then of course, she gets out. It's funny.
Interests: Anyone entering my office knows I still have a bit of whimsy in me. I love 80's movies and music, Disney, Barbies, Paris, and pop culture in general. I'm a huge NKOTB fan and proudly say I've seen them in concert 6 times (5 times as an adult). :) I love hanging out with my family and doing things with them, such as going to the beach, going to Disneyland, going on a road trip in my husband's Jeep, or just playing in the backyard. I love watching NFL football and gladly sit around all day Sunday watching Direct TV rooting for my team, which right now is both the Colts and the Broncos. I love to read and do creative things, like decoupage when I have the time. My mom is probably my best friend and we do a lot of fun things together, but I also love just hanging out with my boys - my husband and two sons.
Ms. Montero
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies and Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, California Lutheran University
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California Lutheran University
Counseling Philosophy: Everybody needs somebody to talk to. Part of my job as a school counselor is to be that person for my students. If at any time they feel they don't have that someone, I can be that somebody. I also believe that students can succeed and that success just looks different for each individual student. My goal as a school counselor is to help students find their own success. My other goal is to be an advocate for every one of my students and to teach them how to advocate for themselves.
Favorite Quote: I have so many that it is hard to pick just one.
“Every day may not be good…but there’s something good in every day.” –Alice Morse Earle
“Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important. Capture the good times. And if things don't work out, just take another shot.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour
Interests: I love all things Disney and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). I also was a former cross country coach, and running is in my blood. I have run many half marathons (over 30) and marathons. A good run any day is one of my favorite things to do. I also love to craft and bake yummy treats. My favorite thing to bake is cookies. I love spending time with my family and children. Lastly, I love watching professional football with my family. We are notorious for spending our Sundays watching the games and love to attend games in person.
Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies and Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, California Lutheran University
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, California Lutheran University
Counseling Philosophy: Everybody needs somebody to talk to. Part of my job as a school counselor is to be that person for my students. If at any time they feel they don't have that someone, I can be that somebody. I also believe that students can succeed and that success just looks different for each individual student. My goal as a school counselor is to help students find their own success. My other goal is to be an advocate for every one of my students and to teach them how to advocate for themselves.
Favorite Quote: I have so many that it is hard to pick just one.
“Every day may not be good…but there’s something good in every day.” –Alice Morse Earle
“Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important. Capture the good times. And if things don't work out, just take another shot.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour
Interests: I love all things Disney and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). I also was a former cross country coach, and running is in my blood. I have run many half marathons (over 30) and marathons. A good run any day is one of my favorite things to do. I also love to craft and bake yummy treats. My favorite thing to bake is cookies. I love spending time with my family and children. Lastly, I love watching professional football with my family. We are notorious for spending our Sundays watching the games and love to attend games in person.
Ms. Ross
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, San Diego State University
Master of Education, School Counseling, University of Southern California
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, University of Southern California
Counseling Philosophy: My counseling philosophy is to address students holistically. As a counselor, my goal is to maximize student potential and academic achievement by addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. A major part of my role is ensuring all students are prepared and have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to become passionate, autonomous, lifelong learners. I believe compassion and empathy can make a huge difference in the lives of our students. I strive to work and live with these values in mind.
Favorite Quote: “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. And if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” -Eric Roth’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Interests: Travel! I love exploring new places, learning about other cultures, and trying the local cuisine. I am a huge water person! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends at the river, the lake, and the beach. My husband and I are both scuba certified. We love to get outside in our spare time to dive, hike, or just spend time with loved ones.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, San Diego State University
Master of Education, School Counseling, University of Southern California
Pupil Personnel Services Credential, University of Southern California
Counseling Philosophy: My counseling philosophy is to address students holistically. As a counselor, my goal is to maximize student potential and academic achievement by addressing the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. A major part of my role is ensuring all students are prepared and have access to the knowledge and skills necessary to become passionate, autonomous, lifelong learners. I believe compassion and empathy can make a huge difference in the lives of our students. I strive to work and live with these values in mind.
Favorite Quote: “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. And if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” -Eric Roth’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Interests: Travel! I love exploring new places, learning about other cultures, and trying the local cuisine. I am a huge water person! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends at the river, the lake, and the beach. My husband and I are both scuba certified. We love to get outside in our spare time to dive, hike, or just spend time with loved ones.
Mr. Solis
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz
Master of Science in Educational Counseling, University of La Verne
Pupil Personnel Services, University of La Verne
Counseling Philosophy:
My philosophy is that every student has the potential to be the best version of themselves when given the appropriate opportunities. My goal is to ensure that every student has the tools necessary to reach their highest potential. Everyone needs an advocate and teammate on their side when challenges arise. Students can always count on me to be their advocate and help them overcome adversity.
Favorite Quote(s):
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."- Wayne Gretzky
Interests:
There are so many interests to list but here are my top picks! I am a big sports fan! Soccer is my favorite sport to watch and play on my free time. You can also catch me watching the Lakers, Dodgers, Broncos, and everything in between! I enjoy exploring new restaurants with my fiancé and playing with my dog. I love fitness and staying active! I'm a family person and enjoy spending time with them and hosting fun BBQs!
Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz
Master of Science in Educational Counseling, University of La Verne
Pupil Personnel Services, University of La Verne
Counseling Philosophy:
My philosophy is that every student has the potential to be the best version of themselves when given the appropriate opportunities. My goal is to ensure that every student has the tools necessary to reach their highest potential. Everyone needs an advocate and teammate on their side when challenges arise. Students can always count on me to be their advocate and help them overcome adversity.
Favorite Quote(s):
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."- Wayne Gretzky
Interests:
There are so many interests to list but here are my top picks! I am a big sports fan! Soccer is my favorite sport to watch and play on my free time. You can also catch me watching the Lakers, Dodgers, Broncos, and everything in between! I enjoy exploring new restaurants with my fiancé and playing with my dog. I love fitness and staying active! I'm a family person and enjoy spending time with them and hosting fun BBQs!
Ms. Scott
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Cal State University Northridge
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, California Lutheran University
Pupil Personal Services Credential, California Lutheran University
Counseling Philosophy: I truly believe that every student can obtain their personal goals. It takes dedication, perseverance, and hard work on the part of the student, and it’s my job to create the path, so the student can see the steps they will need to take in order to achieve that goal. My advice to students it to, one, find your passion. Our passion speaks to us within, it’s always been there, we just have to have the courage to listen.
And two, not all things come easily in life, it is natural to fail, and it takes a resilient human being to pick yourself up, and continue to move forward in order to accomplish something great.
Favorite Quote(s): "Not all who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
"Fake it until you make it." - Darla Scott ;)
Interests: A few of my favorite things are music, dancing, traveling, and eating ice cream.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Cal State University Northridge
Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance, California Lutheran University
Pupil Personal Services Credential, California Lutheran University
Counseling Philosophy: I truly believe that every student can obtain their personal goals. It takes dedication, perseverance, and hard work on the part of the student, and it’s my job to create the path, so the student can see the steps they will need to take in order to achieve that goal. My advice to students it to, one, find your passion. Our passion speaks to us within, it’s always been there, we just have to have the courage to listen.
And two, not all things come easily in life, it is natural to fail, and it takes a resilient human being to pick yourself up, and continue to move forward in order to accomplish something great.
Favorite Quote(s): "Not all who wander are lost." - J.R.R. Tolkien
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
"Fake it until you make it." - Darla Scott ;)
Interests: A few of my favorite things are music, dancing, traveling, and eating ice cream.
