February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, so we are spotlighting one of our school counselors! Dominique is a school counselor at iLEAD Exploration who works closely with our elementary learners. She received her master’s degree in educational counseling and P.P.S. credential from Azusa Pacific University. She has her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, San Diego. She has worked in the educational realm for over 15 years, serving learners from transitional kindergarten through college. She loves working with learners, families, and facilitators.
How long have you been at iLEAD?
Since February 10, 2020.
What made you want to be a counselor?
I initially planned to be a community college counselor, but elementary school counseling opportunities came up and I have been one ever since. I wanted to help people in ways that I needed help while growing up, and counseling was a great avenue for me.
What is the most rewarding part of being a counselor?
Teaching kids skills they will be able use for the rest of their lives!
Least and most favorite part of school growing up?
I hated reading. I did not start to enjoy reading until I found books that interested me as a kid. I loved math! I could do math problems all day and enjoyed it.
Where did you go to college?
I went to six different colleges/universities for my undergraduate degree and graduated from UC San Diego.
Self-care tip:
Practice gratitude daily. Focus on the good in each day, especially when the days are hard.
Fun facts 
- I played soccer for 12+ years, and now I coach my kids in soccer.
- The beach is my favorite place.
- I bought the house I grew up in, and now I am raising my kids in the same home.
- I love decorating for all the holidays!
- My favorite thing to do is nap! I know I am boring, but I have three kids and a busy schedule, so a nap is a treat!
- In addition to working full-time, being a mom of three kids and a wife, I volunteer a lot. I am on three different school board/organization committees. I’m a room mom for my kids. I help with foster youth at church, and I’m a board member for American Youth Soccer Organization.