Wildcat Counselor's Corner

Meet Mrs. McHugh

Hello and Welcome to the counselor’s corner. My name is Merika McHugh and I am thrilled to be one of the counselors at Alta Vista Elementary. A little about myself, I grew up overseas in Singapore and moved to Los Angeles to attend Loyola Marymount University. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in School Counseling with a Pupil Services Credential from LMU. I now live in Redondo Beach with my husband Mike and our two children Brendan and Molly. When I am not working I love cooking for friends and family, hot yoga, running with my dog Sam and relaxing with a good book at the beach.

Prior to joining the Wildcat team, I was a high school counselor in Palos Verdes for 14 years helping teenagers navigate high school and discover their post-secondary paths. While I enjoyed working with teenagers, I love getting to work with our youngest learners, teaching them life long social, emotional and academic skills. I am looking forward to another great year at Alta Vista.

Meet Mrs. Ruffolo

My name is Chelsea Ruffolo. I am excited to join the Alta Vista Counseling team this year and I am looking forward to meeting the students and parents in this amazing community! I grew up in Chicago and moved to the West coast to pursue my passion for working in the school system with kids. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Iowa and a master's degree in counseling with my Pupil Services Credential at Loyola Marymount University. I began my journey in education as a mental health therapist in Torrance and was also a 7th-grade counselor at Beverly Vista Middle School.

My passion is working with students and helping them reach their full academic, social and emotional potential. I aim to provide support and resources so that every student is successful. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with my friends, and finding new dessert places to try.

Wildcat Comprehensive Counseling Program

As a counselor I believe in providing a whole child approach to counseling and working with students in the areas of academics, career and social/emotional development so they can achieve success in school and in life. The Alta Vista comprehensive counseling program includes the following:

Tier 1 Monthly Classroom Lessons on topics such as healthy friendships, kindness, mental health/wellness, self-regulation, conflict resolution and career exploration.

Tier 2 Small Group Counseling. Groups are formed based on staff and parent referrals. Small Groups include 2-4 students and meet weekly for 30 minutes for 6-8 sessions. Group topics range in focus from friendships skills, social skills, self-regulation, coping skills, anger management, grief and changing families.

Tier 3 Individual Counseling. Individual counseling is provided as needed based on staff and parent referrals. Individual counseling is usually 30 minutes every other week for 6-8 sessions. Please note, it is school based counseling and NOT therapy.

WANT TO MAKE A REFERRAL FOR COUNSELING?

Please use the below link to submit an electronic referral form. (Hardcopies of this referral form are also available in the main office)

Parent/Guardian Counseling Referral Form