EDL School-Based Counseling
EDL Resources & Information
Meet our Counseling Team
School-Based Counseling Program
Parent Resources
Community Resources
District Resources
Meet our Counseling Team
My name is Elena Perez, and I'm your Elementary Resource Counselor! I have been working in IUSD providing Mental Health and Wellness services for 4 years. I graduated from Chico State University with a B.A in English Studies and Creative Writing, and an M.S. in Educational Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from National University. I'm a native Spanish speaker from Guatemala! When I'm not at Bonita Canyon, I enjoy traveling; singing karaoke or with my band; spending time with my friends and family; cuddling with my dog Arya; and watching documentaries and drama films.
Visit my Counseling Corner website for more information and resources!
School-Based Counseling Program
The District provides school-based mental health/ wellness services and resources https://iusd.org/department/mental-health-wellness to students and families. These services include short-term individual or group counseling for students at the school site; short-term, solution-focused therapy for students and families through the Irvine Family Resource Center; and resource linkages to community-based mental health or social services for students and families. Services are provided by counselors or licensed mental health professionals
The Elementary Resource Counseling program is designed to provide opportunities for students to participate in individual and small group counseling experiences that provide support and skill building for coping with family stressors, academic struggles, and personal issues. It is not unusual for students to need focused help to strengthen their social-emotional skills in order to be more learning ready during different times in their childhood. Many children struggle from time to time with a range of family and life circumstances (divorce, loss, stress) that make coming to school more difficult, and we are here to offer tools and support. Small group and individual counseling can be an excellent way for students to learn new skills, develop self-confidence, adjust behaviors, and learn to deal with challenges in healthy ways.
Services are provided during the school day for approximately 30 minutes. These services are free of charge and voluntary. Every effort will be made to minimize the loss of important instructional time. School- based counseling is short-term and typically ends after 8-10 weeks. Parent permission required. Please Note: Information shared by your child in counseling sessions will be kept confidential unless there is an indication that your child is in danger of hurting himself/herself or others, that someone may be hurting your child.
Parent Resources
Please find articles related to your child's wellbeing and social and emotional development listed here. Should you need further support or information, please contact Kristin Murphy at (949) 936-6092 or email her at kristinmurphy@iusd.org
10 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids
Tips for Creating a Coping Skills Toolbox
Tips for Building Healthy Friendships
Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries
Connecting Through Communication
"Speak Up, We Care" Campaign Resource Page
Greater Good Science Center- Parenting Resources
Finding the Balance with After-School Activities
School Mornings Without Stress
Strategies to Make Homework Go Smoothly
Community Resources
Children’s Support and Parenting Program (CSPP) Services:
Psychoeducation groups for parents and caregivers with school-aged children.
(714) 480-4678 | www.ochealthinfo.com
The Prevention Center Services:
Parenting programs including parenting workshops, helping kids cope through divorce, and parenting resources.
(714) 543-4333 | www.BrightFutures4Kids.org
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center:
Santa Ana Services: Crisis line, outreach and survivor support services for family members of a person who committed suicide.
(714) 547-0855 | www.didihirsch.org/orange-county
OCHCA Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services provides programs available to Orange County residents seeking mental health and substance use treatment.
(714) 834-2077 | www.ochealthinfo.com/bhs/services
Greater Good Science Center – UC Berkeley
Uses scientific measures to study the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.
Community Mental Health Resources:
A brochure with resources on Substance Abuse, LGBTQIA Services, Shelters, Hotlines & Online Resources, Culturally Centered Services, Parenting Resources, Community Resources, Intensive Mental Health Services, Suicide Prevention, Housing Resources, and Legal Resources
District Resources
Mental Health/Wellness Services and Resources:
The District provides school-based mental health/ wellness services and resources www.iusd.org/WeCare or https://iusd.org/department/mental-health-wellness to students and families. These services include short-term individual or group counseling for students at the school site; short-term, solution-focused therapy for students and families through the Irvine Family Resource Center; and resource linkages to community-based mental health or social services for students and families. Services are provided by counselors or licensed mental health professionals.
IUSD Family Counseling Services (949) 936-8775