At the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, student success does not just happen in the classroom. It’s supported daily by a dedicated team of 20 counselors and college and career specialists who guide students academically, socially, emotionally, and in planning their futures.
From middle school advisory lessons to high school college fairs, counselors are often the quiet force helping students set goals, build resilience, and prepare for what comes next.
“Our counselors are more than academic advisors,” said Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh. “They’re mentors, advocates, and a lifeline for many of our students. Their dedication helps ensure every scholar has the tools, resources, and support to thrive in school and in life.”
Supporting Students at Every Level
At MPUSD’s middle schools, counselors are the bridge between elementary and high school years. They support students by monitoring grades and GPA, coordinating Student Success Teams and 504 meetings, and provide focused interventions for those who need extra support. Every week, students also engage in 30-minute advisory lessons focused on goal setting, academic skill building, and social-emotional growth.
But the work doesn’t stop there. Middle school counselors also provide crisis intervention, peer mediation, and small group counseling. They build strong relationships with students that foster personal development as well as provide opportunities for career exploration through CaliforniaColleges.edu (CCGI), guest speakers, field trips, and special events.
In high school, the focus sharpens on academics and preparing students for their post-secondary plans. With student success at the forefront, high school counselors guide students along their academic pathways toward graduation and beyond. They help ensure students stay on track by closely monitoring progress and making tailored accommodations based on individual needs. Counselors collaborate closely with teachers and administrators as part of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams, providing targeted assistance for students who need it most. They also coordinate college and career events to expose students to opportunities beyond high school.
Beyond Academics: A Lifeline for Students
Counselors also lead the way in social and emotional support. Every September, as part of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, both middle and high school counselors take a proactive approach by bringing lessons directly into classrooms. Rather than a single assembly or event, students also see their counselors alongside teachers leading important conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Year-round, counselors are part of the district’s crisis and risk assessment teams, ensuring that students in need of immediate help have adults they can turn to.
Starting Early with College and Career Readiness
MPUSD also invests in preparing younger students to think about their futures. Teddy Magaña Patigian, the district’s Counselor on Special Assignment, works with our K-8 schools directly to introduce college and career pathways early, helping students see possibilities long before they enter high school.
Shining a Light on Counselors
Throughout the year, MPUSD will highlight the contributions of its counseling teams in stories across the district. Coming up:
A Constant Source of Support
“The role of counselors has never been more critical,” added Magaña Patigian. “We support students in every aspect of their journey, including academics, social and emotional growth, and planning for the future. Our work ensures that students don’t just make it through school, but that they thrive, feel supported, and leave with confidence in what comes next.”
MPUSD’s counselors may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact is lasting, felt in the encouragement, guidance, and unwavering support they bring to students every single day.