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    Meet Your Counselors

    Phone:

    Email:

    Degrees and Certifications:

    Attended Azusa Pacific University Bachelor's degree Master's degree in Educational Counseling

    Mr. Craig Wong

    My name is Craig Wong and I am the 6th Grade Counselor at Rialto Middle School. I’m excited to be here and I look forward to working with you all. A little about me: I enjoy spending time with my family, watching and playing sports, and traveling (especially Hawaii!). I especially love baseball (my team is the Oakland A’s) but my favorite activity is watching my boys play travel baseball. Prior to starting at RMS, I served as a school counselor at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels. I’ve also worked at the college level in Student Services while assisting graduates secure a new job. I’ve earned both my degree’s from Azusa Pacific University with my Masters Degree in Educational Counseling.

    I’m honored to be a school counselor at RMS and I enjoy my interactions with students, staff, parents, and the greater community. My responsibilities include conducting individual counseling, providing student support, teaching classroom guidance lessons, and dealing with various situations that arise throughout the school day. I advise the kids that I am a listener and helper to all of the students in the school, as well as to their teachers and parents. If I can ever assist you in any way, do not hesitate to contact me. Please visit the Counseling Corner on the school website (under the “Our School” tab) and click on the link that best fits you or your child’s question/concern. Thank you for your time and I look forward to building the best culture possible here at Rialto Middle School. Go Tigers!

    Phone:

    Email:

    Degrees and Certifications:

    Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cal State San Bernardino Master's degree in Education: School Counseling from University of Redlands. Pupil Personnel Services (P. P. S.) Credential

    Mr. Paul Stephenson-Vela

    Hi, everyone! My name is Paul Vela, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have joined the RMS family as the 8th grade counselor this year. This is my 4th year in school counseling, and this is my 13th year working with students in a variety of capacities.
     
    While some days are definitely more challenging than others, I thoroughly enjoy working with students as they hone their skills, gain knowledge, and grow into their personalities as they pursue their life goals, interests, and dreams. My ultimate goal is that our students become self-advocates, they have the confidence to be comfortable in who they are as they develop socially, emotionally, academically, and be prepared for the next step in their lives. 
     
    I'm an avid video gamer but I'm strictly a casual; I'll save the competition level gaming for our Esports team. Speaking of sports, I'm an Angels and 49ers fan, much to the chagrin of my friends and family [and sometimes colleagues].

    Phone:

    Email:

    Degrees and Certifications:

    Attended Kansas Wesleyan University and USC BA in Education and Masters in Education in School Counseling

    Mr. Jesus Ochoa Ruiz

    WWHAAAAAT'SSS UUPP Rialto Middle School! My name is Jesus Ochoa Ruiz, and I will be your 6th grade counselor. Not only that, but we will grow together as I will be your counselor for the next 3 years--woot woot!! Yes, you'll see me as you come into RMS and when you get promoted as well. Although this year will be my first official year as a counselor, I'm excited to see all of you become great students. This is my 13th year in education and 1st as a counselor. But I enjoy working with your age group because this is the time you will start to make decisions in life about who you are and what direction you want to head in as you become a young adult; to be a part of your journey and share in your experiences is what makes my role as a school counselor the best job out there.

    Some days may seem long and difficult, but you are not alone. Helping you, guiding you, and teaching you will be my priority. All I ask is that you give your best, day in and day out, as we shape your skills, and as you gain knowledge, grow into your personality, and pursue your life goals, interests, and dreams. My ultimate goal is that you are able to speak up for yourself, gain the confidence to be comfortable in who you are as you develop socially, emotionally, and academically, and best prepare for the next steps in your future. 

    I am a big gamer; PlayStation is my go-to self-care--mainly play sports games. USC, Dodgers, Lakers, Club America, F.C Barcelona, and Seahawks are among my favorite teams. You'll definitely see me in the ESports Class throughout the year. 

    MY ROLE AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR: SERVICES OFFERED...

    • Academic skills support

    • Education in understanding self and others

    • Coping Strategies

    • Communication, problem-solving, decision making, and conflict resolution

    • Career awareness, exploration, and planning

    • Goal-setting and decision-making

    • Individual and small group counseling

    • Community counseling referrals

    • Wellness and mental health are important to maintain, especially during this pandemic. I will be posting wellness relaxation exercises/videos and presentations on how to reduce anxiety and feelings of frustration and depression in my Google Classroom (link below). If you've seen a wellness video you really liked, send me the link. You may just see it the next time you log into my Classroom.

    • Anytime you cannot reach me (e.g., outside of school hours) and you need emergency mental health support, tell a trusted adult near you and call 911 or refer to the COUNSELING RESOURCES below for emergency support. You can call, text, or click on the websites provided to reach out for help.