COUNSELORS
TIFFANY HERVEY
College Counselor
Email: tiffany.hervey@lausd.net
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Education: Master of Arts in Education (emphasis in Counseling) | California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA. Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration | California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA
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Bio: Ms. Hervey brings more than 10 years of comprehensive counseling and leadership experience that spans from middle school through college. As a proud alumnus of the Compton Unified School District, Ms. Hervey started her counseling career as an intern in the district that richly shaped and anchored her life both academically and professionally. As an Intervention Counseling Intern, Ms. Hervey was responsible for counseling diverse student populations to assist them in understanding and overcoming personal, social, and behavioral troubles that affect their academic and vocational advancement and success. She later transitioned to the role of College Counseling Intern, where she educated students and parents on how to successfully navigate through the college search, admissions and matriculation processes. After fulfilling her internship opportunities in the Compton Unified School District, Ms. Hervey shifted her counseling experience to higher education where she became employed at Long Beach City College as a Student Achievement Coach in the Promise Pathways program and later at Vanguard University where she held the positions of Student Success Counselor, Director of Student Success and Director of Program Operations. As a college counseling professional, Ms. Hervey is experienced in implementing and overseeing student success, retention and intervention strategies to help remove barriers to learning, promote academic achievement, and create a foundation for academic and professional success for diverse student populations. Ms. Hervey has a passion for championing positive outcomes for all students she serves and supporting them to achieve their heart’s desire. Ms. Hervey believes every student, if given the proper guidance, resources and opportunity, can discover the path that leads to their educational and professional success. In her spare time, Ms. Hervey finds pleasure in fulfilling community service as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., going to the beach, baking, and traveling with family.
rebecca gross
Middle School Counselor
Email: rebecca.gross@lausd.net
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Education: Mrs. Gross is a proud product of LAUSD and California public schools. Bachelor of Arts, Sociology Major/Cultural Anthropology Minor, University of California, Los AngelesMaster of Arts, Educational Psychology, California State University, Northridge
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Bio: Mrs. Gross has worked as a school counselor with LAUSD since 2006. She started at Fulton College Prep, working with students from grades 6-10. She then went to work at Hamilton High School Academy of Music and Performing Arts working with students in grades 9-12. After moving with her husband to Tel Aviv, Israel and having 2 children, Mrs. Gross moved back to Los Angeles and began working with the wonderful students and faculty at Palms Middle School. She then took a brief leave of absence to tackle being a stay at home mom, her best and toughest job to date. Mrs. Gross loves working with students to set personal and academic goals as well as guiding them to achieve their best self. Outside of school, she loves to travel, hike, practice yoga and spend time with her family and friends.
tara hallinan
High School Counselor
Email: tara.hallinan@lausd.net
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Child & Family Development, San Diego State University
Master of Science in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis), California State University, Northridge
PPS Credential in School Counseling, California State University, Northridge
Bio: Mrs. Hallinan was born and raised in Los Angeles and is a proud K-12 alumnus of LAUSD. She is very excited to work with the young ladies at GALA. In addition to holding a school counseling credential, Mrs. Hallinan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She previously worked with school districts as a mental health school-based therapist for middle and high school students. Mrs. Hallinan holds the following American School Counselor Association specialist certifications: Trauma & Crisis Management, Grief & Loss, Career Development, and Students with Special Needs. Mrs. Hallinan is a firm believer that all students are capable of learning and succeeding, all students should have access to a high-quality education, and effective school counseling is a collaborative process that involves all education stakeholders. Her favorite part of being a school counselor is building relationships with students and helping them to grow and achieve their goals. Mrs. Hallinan is a Lakers fanatic and great supporter of the Dodgers and Rams. She enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends and is a proud dog mom to her miniature pinscher Mamba. During breaks from school, Mrs. Hallinan loves exploring the best restaurants while traveling.
Elva rios
School Psychologist
Email: TBA
Education:
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Bio:
Jiwon Lee, ACSW, PPSC
Psychiatric Social Worker
Email: jiwon.lee@lausd.net​
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Studies, California State University Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education, California State University Long Beach
Master's in Social Work, University of Southern California
Bio: Ms. Lee is a Korean American immigrant, who came to the states in 2004 and was raised in San Diego, Houston, and Los Angeles. She developed a passion for learning about how children grow and develop their own personalities and dedicated her college education to learning of the dynamics and roles and parenting in families, at CSULB. She learned about Social Work and the roles of school social workers and attended USC for her degree. While obtaining her degree, Ms. Lee gained experience working with middle school students and providing mental health support (counseling support, promoting wellness and joy in students from diverse traumatic backgrounds, and group counseling). In addition, she also obtained experience at an outpatient mental health clinic, as a mental health intern working with clients ranging from 5-18 years old. After completing her degree, Ms. Lee started working for LAUSD as a Psychiatric Social Worker at a middle school before coming to GALA. She provides social-emotional support for students to navigate personal challenges, and collaborate with staff to promote overall well-being, joy, and wellness for students. Ms. Lee is passionate about helping students identify positive habits, support systems, and self-care strategies to promote well-being and support students with their mental health. Outside of school, she loves to spend time with family and friends, practice self-care through journaling and completing puzzles, and trying new restaurants with friends.
Jeina dadrass
Black Student Achievement Plan Counselor
Email: pxd9265@lausd.net
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Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Bradley University
Single Subject Teaching Credential in secondary English Language Arts, California State University, Long Beach.
Master of Science in Educational Counseling, California State University, Dominguez Hills
PPS Credential in School Counseling, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Administrative Credential, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Education Doctorate in Educational Psychology, University of Southern California
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Bio: Dr. Dadrass has been a dedicated member of the Los Angeles Unified School District since 1999. Most recently, she served as the assistant principal over counseling and special education at Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets, where she played a pivotal role in supporting students’ academic and emotional growth. Prior to this, Dr. Dadrass taught high school English for over 20 years. Her extensive background in both counseling and education equips her with a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of young people today. Dr. Dadrass is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all students at GALA, where they can thrive both academically and personally. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Dadrass enjoys reading fiction, exploring new cultures through travel, and spending time with her 18-year-old son, Kam, and her dog, Nyssa. She is excited to connect with the young people at GALA and looks forward to helping them navigate their educational journeys with confidence and resilience.
