Mrs. McHugh's Counseling Corner

Hello and Welcome to the counselor’s corner. My name is Merika McHugh and I am thrilled to be the new counselor 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, going for long runs 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 am excited about this opportunity to work with our youngest learners. I am looking forward to getting to know all the students, staff, and families at this wonderful school.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.

Thank you!

Mrs. McHugh

[email protected]

(310)798-8650 ext 3111

Office Hours: 8:00AM-3:15PM

Monday-Wednesday and Friday

(Please note I am not in the office on Thursdays)

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 Referral for Counseling