School Counseling Services

About School Counselors

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School counselors are highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career. An integral part of the total education system, school counselors help students form healthy goals, mindsets and behaviors. With the aid of a school counselor, students learn to develop effective collaboration and cooperation skills, to practice perseverance, to develop time management and study skills, and to learn self-motivation and self-direction habits.

Sierra Sands School Counselors

Elementary School:

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Jessica Cox

Las Flores Elementary
Miss Cox received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, her Master's Degree on Educational and Clinical Counseling, and her Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Azusa Pacific University. She has been working in SSUSD since 2017 as an Elementary School Counselor at Las Flores Elementary. She enjoys getting to know and support students through Social Emotional Learning with whole classes, small groups, and by checking in with individual students throughout each day. 

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Kristin Bruce

Richmond Elementary
My name is Kristin Bruce and I am excited to be the school counselor here at Richmond Elementary!  I have my masters in school counseling and have been in education for 24 years.  I look forward to helping your students learn how to communicate their feelings, improve their conflict resolution skills, self-regulate, increase their self-esteem, improve study skills, and  gain information about  careers in which they may be interested.  In October I also teach students about anti-bullying behavior.  Students learn the signs of bully behavior as well as actions to take if they are bullied or see bully behavior.  All this is all done in individual, small group, and whole class lessons.  Whole classes also participate in the Second Step curriculum as well as Xello Career Guidance.

Megan Cordeiro,

Joe Mascarenaz, Faller Elementary

Shaun Price, Inyokern Elementary

Cindy Winks, Gateway Elementary

Middle School:

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Jayce Ledesma-Lucero

James Monroe Middle School
Hi, my name is Jaycee Ledesma-Lucero. I was born and raised in Ridgecrest, I graduated from Burroughs High School in 2015. Then I pursued my Associates Degree in Psychology at Cerro Coso Community College graduating in 2018. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 2020. In 2024, I have received my Masters of Counseling Degree, which consists of dual concentration working towards the Pupil Personnel Services Credential and being a Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge, education, and experience to our community to best serve and support our students and their families to the best of my ability in collaboration with other educators in our school and district.

Reysheen Mason, James Monroe Middle School

Kelly Leon, Murray Middle School

Esteisi Martinez, Murray Middle School 

High School:

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John Hill

Burroughs High School
Mr. Hill received his Bachelor's Degree from CSU - San Bernardino in Liberal Studies. Mr. Hill later earned a Master's of Science Degree in Counseling also from CSU - San Bernardino. Mr. Hill started employment with the Sierra Sands Unified School District in August of 2018. Mr. Hill has recently started working as a school counselor at Burroughs High School and has enjoyed being able to work with students to help them realize their full potential, and assist students with their post-secondary education and planning. 

1. A woman stands proudly in front of a sign for Mesquite High School, showcasing the school's name and logo. 2. A woman poses in front of the Mesquite High School sign, highlighting the school's identity and welcoming atmosphere. 3. A woman stands beside the Mesquite High School sign, emphasizing the school's name and its significance to the community.

Sandi Smith-King

Mesquite Continuation High School
Mrs. King is the academic Guidance Counselor at Mesquite High School. Prior to this position, Sandi worked in the district as an office manager and at Cerro Coso CC in the counseling department.  She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Bellevue University and her Master's in Counseling from the University of the Southwest. She is also a graduate of Mesquite!!  In addition to being an academic counselor, Mrs. King supports the Social-Emotional needs of our students through individual and group sessions.  She has an amazing connection with all of our students. Mrs. King's collaboration with our staff members truly contributes to the success of our students.  In addition to raising 100+ Dragons, she has five children of her own which keeps her very busy with youth sports and activities throughout the year. 

Rose Douglas, Burroughs High School

Kerri Graves, Burroughs High School
 
Dave Vigneault, Burroughs High School