The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) recently surprised three exceptional school counselors at their campuses to announce that they have been selected as the 2026 San Diego County Counselors of the Year.
This year’s honorees include:
Rosa Lopez, El Toyon Elementary School, National School District
Nguyet Pham-Camacho, Bell Middle School, San Diego Unified School District
Ave Williams, Ramona High School, Ramona Unified School District
“National School Counseling Week reminds us that school counseling is not just a position — it is a program that transforms lives,” said Lezya Weglarz, project specialist, Pre-K–12 School Counseling Services at SDCOE. “Visiting each of our finalists on their campuses and hearing directly from students and staff was incredibly powerful. These school counselors are building systems of support where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Their leadership extends far beyond their offices — it shapes school culture and strengthens entire communities.”
Three additional recognitions were awarded this year:
Advocate of the Year: Jeara Romasanta, Oceanside Unified School District
Administrator of the Year: Mia Funk, Escondido Union High School District
Community-Based Organization of the Year: Institute for Public Strategies
The School Counselor of the Year awards are sponsored by North Island Credit Union. Each honoree was awarded a $500 check from the credit union. “North Island Credit Union is proud to mark our seventh year partnering with SDCOE to recognize the extraordinary impact of school counselors across our region,” said North Island Credit Union President/CEO Steve O’Connell. “School counselors play a vital role in fostering belonging and supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. Supporting education is central to our mission, and we are honored to celebrate this year’s Elementary, Middle and High School Counselor of the Year and the professionals who make a lasting difference for students and families throughout San Diego County.”
About The Honorees
Rosa Lopez – Elementary Level
For more than two decades, Rosa Lopez has led with heart and purpose at El Toyon Elementary, building systems that ensure every child feels seen, safe, and supported. As the school’s PBIS coordinator, she helped lead the team to five consecutive years of PBIS Platinum recognition, creating a positive and consistent school climate. During our visit, it was clear how deeply students trust her — greeting her with hugs as she led engaging lessons that teach empathy, kindness, and belonging. Through expanded on-site medical and mental health supports and partnerships like the Collaborative Life Skills program with San Diego State University, she continues to remove barriers and strengthen connections between home and school so every child can thrive.
Nguyet Pham-Camacho – Middle School Level
Nguyet Pham-Camacho is a systems-minded leader at Bell Middle School who brings both innovation and organization to ensure students can easily access counseling support. Serving as the 7th-grade counselor in a looping model, she builds deep, sustained relationships that center student voice and restorative practices — shaped by her journey from classroom teacher to Restorative Justice Dean to school counselor. A proud product of City Heights, Nguyet’s “why” is rooted in community and cultural wealth, and she is committed to being the source of care and affirmation that was once poured into her. Through programs like Youth Leaders, she empowers students to facilitate restorative circles schoolwide, cultivating empathy, accountability, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging.
Ave Williams – High School Level
Ave Williams has dedicated more than two decades to Ramona High School, serving the past seven years as lead counselor and guiding her team with clarity, care, and purpose. She sees her role as a bridge — connecting students’ present realities to their future possibilities and serving as a steady, trusted voice for those who may not yet feel heard. Ave believes deeply that all students are high-potential students, and her unconditional positive regard helps them build resilience, reclaim their power, and imagine what’s possible. Through visionary efforts like her Career Exploration Extended Learning Time program and a culture of mentorship and connection, she continues to expand postsecondary access and create a lasting legacy of belonging and opportunity.
Jeara Romasanta – Advocate of the Year
Jeara Romasanta embodies what it means to be an advocate — someone who listens deeply, empowers boldly, and takes meaningful action to amplify student voice and remove systemic barriers. Her advocacy comes to life through innovative initiatives like the PBIS Star Store Managers program and student listening circles that directly inform schoolwide equity efforts, ensuring belonging is not just discussed, but practiced. She champions equity through trauma-informed, culturally responsive and neurodivergent-affirming approaches, while also mentoring new school counselors and leading professional learning to strengthen the profession. Rooted in her lived experience as a first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants, Jeara’s work is fueled by a powerful “why” — ensuring every student has access, opportunity, and someone steadfastly in their corner.
Mia Funk – Administrator of the Year
Mia Funk exemplifies what it means to be a transformative educational leader — championing school counseling, investing in equity-driven professional learning, and creating systems that expand opportunity for every student. Through her visionary leadership, school counselors have been elevated as strategic partners in college and career readiness, with initiatives like CCGI implementation and partnership with CaliforniaColleges.edu ensuring students receive structured, meaningful postsecondary support. With more than 25 years in education, Mia’s relationship-centered approach empowers educators, strengthens collaborative systems, and integrates counseling into districtwide goals that prioritize student success.
Institute for Public Strategies – Community-Based Organization of the Year
The Institute for Public Strategies (IPS) exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner — listening deeply, collaborating authentically, and taking meaningful action to expand opportunity and wellbeing for students and families. Their impact is reflected through enriching outdoor and community-based experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, belonging, and connection for students in Mountain Empire Unified School District. Through prevention-focused, equity-driven work, IPS elevates student voice, strengthens family engagement, and partners closely with schools to remove barriers and build community capacity.
Find information about school counseling and upcoming events at www.sdcoe.net/schoolcounselors.