By Alex Olson, Sophomore
Mental health is a crucial role within the well-being and success of our students. At our school, we’re fortunate to have dedicated mental health specialists that can provide support to students with improving with their academic, social, and personal challenges. Mrs. Chairez, Ms. Aguirre, and Ms. Arredondo are apart of our school by being mental health specialists, offering a wide variety of vices to help ensure our students have the care they need.
Meet Our Mental Health Specialists
Mrs. Chairez, a postgraduate of Calexico High School from the Class of 2013, pursued a higher education at Imperial Valley College, earning an associate’s degree in sociology. She then transferred to California State University San Bernardino, to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work. Committed to furthering her expertise, had obtained her master’s degree of social work from California State University, Los Angeles. Now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mrs. Chairez has been providing therapy services for the last five years. She is based at the main campus, where she offers individual and group therapy sessions, as well as check-ins for students as needed.
Ms. Aguirre, a graduate of Southwest High School, continued her education at San Diego State University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and her master’s degree in social work. She is an Associate Clinical Social Worker and is preparing for her licensing exam in the coming year. Like Mrs. Chairez, Ms. Aguirre is stationed at the main campus, ensuring students have access to professional support regarding their mental health.
Ms. Arredondo, a graduate from Calexico High School from class of 2002, attended Imperial Valley College before transferring to San Diego State University and obtaining her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Phoenix. She then obtained her Pupil Personnel Services credential with University of Massachusetts Global. She is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is also pending to take her licensing exam. She is based at the 9th-grade campus, providing prominent mental health services to our youngest high school students.
The Importance of Mental Health Services
Mental Health support is essential in fostering a positive school environment where students feel safe, heard, and understood. Stress, anxiety, depression, and social pressures may impact a student’s ability to focus and succeed academically. Our mental health specialists provide individualized therapy, group counseling, and check-ins to help students navigate these challenges effectively.
See also
In addition counseling services, our specialists are actively involved in promoting mental health awareness through student-led organizations. Mrs. Chairez and Ms. Aguirre serve as club advisors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Club, which aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness about mental health issues. Ms. Arredondo advises the Bring Change to Mind Club, encouraging open conversations regarding mental health and students well-being.
By providing these services, our mental health specialists help create a school culture that prioritizes emotional well-being, ensuring that students have the tools and support they need to thrive. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support, do not hesitate to reach out to our specialists. They are here to help, listen, and guide students through any challenges they may face. Mrs. Chairez and Ms. Aguirre are located in the Bulldog Student Well-being Room #44 and Ms. Arredondo is located in room C7.
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Let’s continue to support one another and foster a community that values well-being and resilience.