Hello VAAS Families,

My name is Maribel Palafox, and I am honored to serve as the A-House Counselor here at VAAS. As a proud native of Pacoima, I am deeply committed to supporting education, mental health, and student well-being. I am thrilled to be part of the Viper Community and to contribute to the growth and success of our students.

I hold dual Baccalaureates in Sociology and Psychology and have had the privilege of working in various school settings and community-based organizations. Driven by a passion for counseling, I earned a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on Marriage & Family Therapy, as well as a PPS Credential from CSUN. I am also a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), which strengthens my ability to support students and families in navigating their unique challenges.

As a parent of two boys and an enthusiastic daughter, I understand the importance of nurturing well-rounded, confident individuals. My wonderful partner is my biggest supporter, and together, we work to raise our children to be successful, resilient, and compassionate.

Outside of my professional role, I love spending time with my family and friends—whether that’s traveling, dancing, enjoying a good meal, or simply hanging out and making memories.

My Counseling Vision:

A dear friend once shared with me, "Children will be brilliant if we are brave enough to give them the space to be." This resonates deeply with me and guides my approach to counseling. I am committed to creating a safe and empowering environment where students and families can grow and thrive.

My vision as a school counselor is to cultivate a space where every student feels supported and empowered to explore their potential. I focus on providing personalized counseling that fosters college and career readiness, while also nurturing each student's emotional and social growth. Together, we’ll work on building critical thinking, resilience, and skills that can be applied in real-world settings—equipping students to thrive both in and outside of the classroom.

Through our counseling work, your child will develop the tools to become a confident advocate for themselves, pursue personal growth opportunities, and engage with their passions and aspirations. I aim to help students not only discover their strengths but also invest in their future, their communities, and their education.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if there's anything I can do to further support your child’s journey. I look forward to partnering with you to help them succeed.

Warmly,
Maribel Palafox