Drop-In Center

The Drop-In Center provides support groups, problem-solving appointments, ongoing individual counseling and crisis intervention. To better serve our diverse school, several Drop-In Center staff members are Spanish-speaking. 

Students interested in setting up weekly counseling appointments or joining a group can visit their counselor for a referral or stop by Room B303 to connect with us directly!

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.

• Monday: Closed for groups*
• Tuesday: 8:40 am-3:10 pm
• Wednesday: Closed*
• Thursday: 8:40 am-3:10 pm
• Friday: 8:20 am-3:10 pm

*Snacks available

Alejandra Avila
Social Worker
Present on: Monday

Charo Mendoza
Social Worker
Present on: Monday

Don McCord
Dean
Present on: Monday

Gus Pappadimas
Psychologist
Present on: Tuesday & Friday 

Kamrynn Richards
Intern
Present on: Friday

Karina Arango
Social Worker
Present on: Friday

Nicholas Getzendanner
Counselor
Present on: Monday

Nicole Ellis
Counselor
Present on: Monday

Nikolina Mihalic
Intern 
Present on: Tuesday

Sandy Villanueva
Intern
Present on: Thursday

Sean Carey
Intern
Present on: Friday

Shana Markai
Intern
Present on: Tuesday

Vanessa Arroyo Flores
Intern
Present on: Monday

How do groups work?

If you're interested in joining a group, please reach out to your counselor in person or via email for more information! Groups are scheduled to meet once a week during the school day, utilizing a rotating schedule (e.g., meeting during 1st period one week, 2nd period the next, etc.). Students will be excused from their class for the duration of the group but are responsible for signing in and checking with their teachers regarding any work they missed.

Please note: If you have a test, major assignment, or presentation scheduled during your group time, you are expected to attend class instead.

Available Groups

• Alliance: For LGBTQ+, questioning students, and allies.
• EL Boys I & II: For English Learners (EL) male students (EL Boys II only open to juniors and seniors). The group will be facilitated in Spanish.
• Executive Functioning (EF): To empower students with practical skills to manage high school tasks, conquer procrastination, and reduce stress by mastering essential executive functioning strategies like planning, prioritizing, and organizing.
• Equinox: For African American students to discuss and process their experiences in context to racial identity.
• Evolución: For female students who are recent immigrants and transitioning English Learners (EL). Facilitated in Spanish.
• Freshman Transition: A group focused on transitions to high school and the skills needed for academic success and social connectedness. 
• Grief & Loss: A support group for those who have lost a member of their immediate family.
• Inicios: For newly arrived female immigrant students from the English Learners (EL) program. Facilitated in Spanish.
• Insight: An early intervention substance abuse awareness and psychoeducational group focused on prevention.
• Latina Young Women (LYW) & Latino Young Men (LYM) I-IV Group: For students who identify as Latina/Latino/Latinx to discuss and process issues and life experiences.
• Monarcas: For undocumented students, allies, and anyone interested in immigrant issues. 
• Outlook: A co-ed group discussing a variety of topics of the students' choice.
• Recovery: A second tier sub intervention focused on students with more severe substance abuse and or addiction concerns, and students transitioning back from hospitalization or rehabilitation programs.
• Solace: For students (or students with an immediate family member) who are chronically ill.
• Superación: A group focused on the intersectionality of post-high school planning and English Learners (EL) student identity. Facilitated in English with minimal Spanish.
• TGIF: For students identifying as Transgender and/or have questions about gender and sexual identity.
• Unite: A space for students in military families to connect.