Counseling

EDL School-Based Counseling
EDL Resources & Information

Meet our Counseling Team

 

Lily Samson

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lily and I am the Elementary Resource Counselor (ERC). I’m so thrilled to be working at Bonita Canyon!

I grew up in Irvine and attended Bonita Canyon for Kindergarten! It's such a full circle moment for me to be back! I’m extremely passionate about supporting students in reaching their full potential. I have worked with students on domains that include academic guidance, social and emotional support, and college and career readiness. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, a Master's in Crisis and Trauma and a Masters of Arts in School Counseling where I obtained my Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Throughout my education

I have had unique opportunities to work with diverse students of different age levels. I would describe myself as warm, friendly, patient, empathetic, and solution-focused. I look forward to supporting students and faculty through good times and tough times as their school counselor.

My mission is to create a comprehensive and inclusive school counseling program that provides equity for all students. I believe in the positive results of a Multi-Tiered System of Support Model where every student receives the specific support they need to succeed. I strive to look at students through an ecological perspective and understand that there is much more to a student than their academic report card. With the right amount of specific supports, all students have a chance at becoming the best version of themselves.

I truly feel so passionate about the work I do and I hope to make a positive impact here on campus supporting students and staff!

Contact information: Lilysamson@iusd.org

 

 

School-Based Counseling Program

Speak Up We Care

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

Success in School Contract

Tips for Social Media Usage

Connecting Through Communication

Parent Resource (Mandarin)

"Speak Up, We Care" Campaign Resource Page

Back to School Resources

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.

www.greatergood.berkeley.edu

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.

Irvine Family Resource Center Services:
Short-term, solution-focused individual and family therapy, resource linkage and referrals, and parent education/support groups to IUSD families K-12.
(949) 936-7504 | https://iusd.org/about/departments/education-services/student-support-services/mental-health-and-wellness/irvine

Prevention and Intervention Brochure

A brochure which provides a brief overview on Prevention and Intervention staff and contact information.