Counseling
-
Yusdivia Mosqueda, Counselor
Caseload: A-Cl & ELD
Email: yusdivia.mosqueda@lmusd.org
Meet Mrs. Mosqueda!
Hello! My name is Yusdivia Mosqueda, and I have been a high school counselor since 2002. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside students, families, teachers, and staff, helping students navigate both the opportunities and challenges of high school.
I was the first person in my family to attend a four-year college. I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and later completed my master's degree in Educational Counseling, along with my Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the importance of encouragement, guidance, and having someone who believes in your potential.
My counseling philosophy is simple: meet students where they are, listen to their needs, and help them understand all of their options so they can make informed decisions that are right for them. One of the greatest rewards of my career has been watching students grow, overcome obstacles, and later seeing them thrive as adults in our community.
Throughout my years at Arroyo Grande High School, I have proudly served as the English Language Development (ELD) counselor. This role is especially meaningful to me because English was not my first language, and I was once an ELD student myself. I understand firsthand the challenges, and the strengths, that come with learning a new language and adapting to new experiences.
In addition to counseling, I have advised numerous student clubs and coordinated many important school programs and events, including FAFSA workshops, college application support, PSAT administration, and student registration and scheduling. Earlier in my career, I also had the privilege of serving as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) counselor, supporting many first-generation college-bound students. In that role, I accompanied students on college campus visits throughout California, helped them explore postsecondary opportunities, and guided them through the college application process. As someone who was also the first in my family to attend college, helping students envision and achieve their college goals has always been especially meaningful to me. I also had the honor of serving as Lead School Counselor during one of our community's most challenging periods throughout and following the school shutdowns, working alongside our counseling team to support students and families during an unprecedented time.
As both a counselor and a parent, I bring another perspective to my work. My two children attended schools within the Lucia Mar Unified School District, including Arroyo Grande High School. Experiencing AGHS as both a staff member and a parent has given me a deeper appreciation for what students and families experience and what it takes to help students succeed both academically and personally.
It has truly been a privilege to serve the Arroyo Grande High School community for so many years. I am committed to supporting every student through the successes, the challenges, and everything in between. My door is always open, and I look forward to getting to know you. If you see me around campus, please stop by, say hello, and introduce yourself!
-
Joanna Onato-Molina, Counselor (Head Counselor)
Caseload: Co-F & AVID 12
Email: joanna.onato-molina@lmusd.org
Meet Mrs. Molina!
I am now in my 11th year at Arroyo Grande High School, where I serve as Head Counselor. Born and raised in Fresno, California, I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2004 (Go Riders!). I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Fresno, and went on to complete my Master’s in Education in School Counseling at Fresno Pacific University. Before working in schools, I served as a Juvenile Correctional Officer for Fresno County Probation. That experience built a solid foundation for my career and truly shaped my dedication to becoming a strong school counselor.
Outside of work, I am blessed with a beautiful family, and we absolutely love living here on the Central Coast. When I am off campus, you can usually find me DJing, playing golf, or cheering on the San Francisco Giants, 49ers, and Chicago Bears.
I love being a school counselor and would not change it for the world. My ambition for every student is to help them discover who they are, find what they love, and turn that into a meaningful life and adulthood. I am so thankful to be an AGHS Eagle, and I am always here to serve our students and families.
-
Alyssa LaBrado, Counselor
Caseload: G-Ke & AVID 11
Email: alyssa.labrado@lmusd.org
Meet Mrs. LaBrado!
Hello! I am so excited to serve our community as a counselor at AGHS! I have been at AGHS for six years, and I was an English teacher at Judkins Middle School for 18 year before that. I loved being a teacher and I love being a counselor! Working in education is the most exciting and rewarding profession one can have. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in education and I am happiest when I am working with students, helping to support them to achieve their goals, both on and off campus.
I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, then went to UC Santa Cruz for my bachelor's degree in Literature. I knew I needed to get a teaching credential, but wanted to try somewhere new, so I went to Cal Poly SLO for my teaching credential, counseling credential, and master's degree. I loved every second of my college education. While in college, I supported myself by working in city parks and recreation departments, which is also a passion of mine. I had wonderful experiences working in youth programs in both Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo, and I believe those early years helped to shape dedication to education.
When I am not at work, I am happiest when I am with my husband (who is also an educator!) and children. We have three amazing children and we love to watch as they journey into adulthood and do great things. We love to travel, read books, watch sports, eat great food, go to the beach, and hang out with our dog.
My goal as a high school counselor is to support each student to discover all that the world has to offer and find what they love. Our approach to school counseling here at AGHS is to support the whole student, so we are here for students' academic, college and career, and social emotional needs. Please know that my door is always open and I am here to help each student get what they need to be successful! I love being an EAGLE and I hope you do, too!
-
Jose Torres, Counselor
Caseload: Ki-Ne & AVID 9
Email: jose.vibaldo-torres@lmusd.org
Meet Mr. Torres!
Hi! My name is Mr. Torres, and I am excited to be joining the Arroyo Grande High School community as a counselor in 2026. I recently moved over from the Templeton Unified School District and am excited to be back on the Central Coast. I grew up in Atascadero, so being back in this area and working in my dream career of school counseling is something I am truly grateful for.
I graduated from UC Merced with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Public Health. After that, I moved to Bakersfield, where I worked as a College Peer Advisor at Bakersfield College while continuing my education. I later graduated from CSU Bakersfield with a degree in Educational Counseling and began my counseling career in the Kern High School District.
When I’m not at school, you can usually find me hitting the gym, traveling to new places, playing video games, or watching horror movies (yes, I love scary movies!). I also love discovering new music, so please stop by and share your favorite songs, I’m always looking for something new to listen to.
I’m excited to get to know all of you, support you through your high school journey, and be a part of the AGHS community. I can’t wait to meet you! -
-
Cristel Penton, Counselor
Caseload: Sc-Z & Early College High
Email: cristel.penton@lmusd.org
Meet Mrs. Penton!
Hello! I have lived on the Central Coast for most of my life and am a proud Arroyo Grande High School alumna. Having attended AGHS myself, as well as my husband and two children, I have deep roots in the local community and a strong connection to Lucia Mar Unified School District. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Westmont College and went on to earn my Master’s degree in Education and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
I have worked in a variety of counseling capacities within Lucia Mar Unified School District for 19 years and am entering my ninth year in the Arroyo Grande High School counseling department. I truly love working in the high school setting and strive to help every student feel supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.As both a counselor and a Lucia Mar parent, I feel I bring a unique perspective to my work. Experiencing AGHS from both a staff member’s and a parent’s perspective has given me a deeper appreciation for what students and families experience throughout the high school journey. It has also given me a greater understanding of what it takes to support students as they navigate the academic, personal, and social experiences of high school.
My passion for counseling is rooted in building meaningful relationships, advocating for students, and helping each young person recognize their strengths, discover their potential, and navigate a path toward a successful future. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the AGHS community and look forward to supporting students and families along the way.
Outside of work, I am blessed to share life with an amazing husband, who is also an educator, and our two now-adult children. As a family, we love enjoying the beauty of the Central Coast and all that our community has to offer. When I am off campus, you can usually find me hiking, gardening, reading, cooking, or, most importantly, soaking up as much family time as possible.
The Counseling department follows the national standards set forth by the American School Counselor Association. These standards serve as guidelines to help ensure that all school counseling programs address their students in a comprehensive manner, in an effort to prepare students to be successful in life after high school.
Academic Standards: Students will acquire the attitudes, knowledge, and skills that contribute to effective learning in school and across their life-span. Students will complete school with the academic preparation essential to choose from a wide variety of post-secondary options, including college. Students will understand the relationship of academics to the world of work, and to life at home and in the community.
Career Standards: Students will acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge of self and to make informed career decisions. Students will employ strategies to achieve future career success. Students will understand the relationship between personal qualities, education and training, and the world of work.
Personal/Social Standards: Students will acquire attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills to help them understand and respect themselves and others. Students will make decisions, set goals, and take appropriate action to achieve their goals. Students will understand safety and survival skills.