Counseling Office Staff
Ms. Davis
School Counselor (Last Names S-Z & AVID 2021 & 2023) I grew up in a place called Chilliwack (yes that's really what the city is named). It is about 45 minutes East of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada! My dad is a middle school teacher so I grew up hanging around schools and always thought I'd like to teach. When I'm not at school, I love to swim, play the piano, and of course, watch hockey! My favorite part of being a school counselor is getting to work with students! Crecí en un lugar llamado Chilliwack a 45 minutos al este de Vancouver en British Columbia, Canada! Mi papa es maestro de secundaria entonces crecí pasando tiempo en las escuelas y siempre pensé que me gustaría enseñar. Cuando no estoy en la escuela, me gusta nadir, tocar el piano y claro, mirar el deporte hockey! Mi parte favorita de ser consejera es trabajar con los estudiantes! |
Mrs. Gale
School Counselor (Last Names I-M & AVID 2020) I grew up in Seattle, Washington and graduated from Highline High School. When I was younger I wanted to be a journalist and photographer, work all over the world. My hobbies are reading, drawing, painting, hiking and spending time with my family. My husband is an engineer at Nike and we have 4 children: Alex 22, Ramona 20, Eli 18 are all away at college and Isaiah 12 is a 7th grader at NAMS. I love working with students, their families and helping them find success in school and life. |
Mrs. Ruvalcaba
School Counselor (Last Names D-H & AVID 2022) I was born in Delano, California but I have lived in Beaverton, Oregon almost all my life. I went to Aloha High School. I completed my undergrad at the University of Oregon and my master’s degree at George Fox University. I was the first in my family to go to college. Some of my hobbies include hiking, watching movies, traveling, horseback riding and cooking (the spicier the better). My favorite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in world.” by Mohandas Gandhi. Nací en Delano, California pero e vivido en Beaverton, Oregon casi toda mi vida. Fui a Aloha High School. Completé mi licenciatura en la Universidad de Oregon y mi maestría en la Universidad de George Fox. Fui la primera persona en mi familia en ir a la universidad. Algunos de mis pasatiempos incluyen ir a caminar, mirar películas, viajar, montar caballos y cocinar (entre más picante mejor). Cesar Chavez una vez dijo que "Nuestro lenguaje es el reflejo de nosotros mismos. Lo que se dice es un reflejo exacto del carácter moral y la madurez del que habla.” |
Mrs. Van Zanten
School Counselor (Last Names N-R & ELD)
I am from Cupertino, CA (yep, the place your iPhone was set to when you first got it). I graduated from St. Francis High School and then went on to Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. My husband and I have lived in the Portland area since college. We now live in McMinnville with our young daughter Leah and our pug Emma. Both sets of our parents have retired to McMinnville and we love having family close by. My hobbies are restoring my 100-year old house, camping, canoeing, reading and road tripping with our vintage trailer. I have worked at FGHS since 2008, love getting to know my students and helping them reach their goals!
School Counselor (Last Names N-R & ELD)
I am from Cupertino, CA (yep, the place your iPhone was set to when you first got it). I graduated from St. Francis High School and then went on to Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. My husband and I have lived in the Portland area since college. We now live in McMinnville with our young daughter Leah and our pug Emma. Both sets of our parents have retired to McMinnville and we love having family close by. My hobbies are restoring my 100-year old house, camping, canoeing, reading and road tripping with our vintage trailer. I have worked at FGHS since 2008, love getting to know my students and helping them reach their goals!
Mrs. Elich
School Registrar I have lived in Forest Grove almost all of my life. I attended Harvey Clarke Elementary School many years ago and graduated as a Proud Viking. I have a husband, Tom who has helped me coach and who has supported me while I served as board President for youth football and youth baseball for many years. I have four boys, a daughter in-law, a granddaughter Hazel and 2 dogs. I enjoy running, working out, fishing, camping and hiking. I graduated from PCC with a degree in Early Childhood Education and have been a part of the Forest Grove School District for 15 years. Where it has been my pleasure to work with so many talented and amazing students. |
Mr. Lopez
School Attendance Family Outreach Liaison
Especialista en Orientación de Asistencia Escolar
I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and moved to Oregon when I was 7 years old. I grew up in the Hillsboro area and went to Century High School and OYCP. I enjoy playing soccer, running, and spending time with my family. My wife and I have 3 children: Yadira 14, Abigail 6 and Diego 4. I joined the FGSD in 2017 and the most rewarding part of my job is connecting with students and their families.
Nací en Oaxaca, México y me mudé a Oregón cuando tenía 7 años. Crecí en el área de Hillsboro y fui a la escuela Century High School y OYCP. Me gusta jugar fútbol, correr y pasar el tiempo con mi familia. Mi Esposa y yo tenemos 3 hijos: Yadira 14, Abigail 6 y Diego 4. Me uní al Distrito Escolar de Forest Grove en el 2017 y lo que más me gusta de mi trabajo es trabajar y ayudar a los estudiantes y sus familias.
School Attendance Family Outreach Liaison
Especialista en Orientación de Asistencia Escolar
I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and moved to Oregon when I was 7 years old. I grew up in the Hillsboro area and went to Century High School and OYCP. I enjoy playing soccer, running, and spending time with my family. My wife and I have 3 children: Yadira 14, Abigail 6 and Diego 4. I joined the FGSD in 2017 and the most rewarding part of my job is connecting with students and their families.
Nací en Oaxaca, México y me mudé a Oregón cuando tenía 7 años. Crecí en el área de Hillsboro y fui a la escuela Century High School y OYCP. Me gusta jugar fútbol, correr y pasar el tiempo con mi familia. Mi Esposa y yo tenemos 3 hijos: Yadira 14, Abigail 6 y Diego 4. Me uní al Distrito Escolar de Forest Grove en el 2017 y lo que más me gusta de mi trabajo es trabajar y ayudar a los estudiantes y sus familias.
Ms. Murillo
School Youth & Family Therapist
I am originally from Cali, Colombia and have been in the US for three years now. I received my master’s degree in Family Services from the Complutense University in Madrid after attending college in Bogota, Colombia where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Early Childhood education. I love working with families and students to learn ways to cope with our life and be the best version of ourselves! When I'm not working, I'm finding new destinations to travel to with family and friends. I love attending yoga classes, clothing swaps, and potlucks. So excited to join your counseling team! :)
School Youth & Family Therapist
I am originally from Cali, Colombia and have been in the US for three years now. I received my master’s degree in Family Services from the Complutense University in Madrid after attending college in Bogota, Colombia where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Early Childhood education. I love working with families and students to learn ways to cope with our life and be the best version of ourselves! When I'm not working, I'm finding new destinations to travel to with family and friends. I love attending yoga classes, clothing swaps, and potlucks. So excited to join your counseling team! :)
Ms. Najera
School Migrant Graduation Specialist/TOSA
I grew up in a small town in Durango, Mexico. My parents immigrated with my seven siblings and me to Hood River, Oregon when I was twelve years-old. My family and I worked in the agricultural industry for many years picking pears, apples, cherries and blueberries. Most of my siblings went to college and have successful careers. I went to Willamette University for my undergrad and Portland State University for my master's degree. I have worked at FGHS since 2015. I enjoy advocating and supporting families and students with unique needs.
School Migrant Graduation Specialist/TOSA
I grew up in a small town in Durango, Mexico. My parents immigrated with my seven siblings and me to Hood River, Oregon when I was twelve years-old. My family and I worked in the agricultural industry for many years picking pears, apples, cherries and blueberries. Most of my siblings went to college and have successful careers. I went to Willamette University for my undergrad and Portland State University for my master's degree. I have worked at FGHS since 2015. I enjoy advocating and supporting families and students with unique needs.
Ms. Prose
School Youth & Family Therapist
I have my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. I relocated to Oregon about two years ago and have made the most of this beautiful state by exploring the coast, mountains, and hiking as much as possible. I am very passionate about working with teens and their families to help them navigate life during difficult and stressful times. In addition to working with youth and families, I also run a peer mentor program and groups. I am very excited to be here at Forest Grove High School.
School Youth & Family Therapist
I have my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. I relocated to Oregon about two years ago and have made the most of this beautiful state by exploring the coast, mountains, and hiking as much as possible. I am very passionate about working with teens and their families to help them navigate life during difficult and stressful times. In addition to working with youth and families, I also run a peer mentor program and groups. I am very excited to be here at Forest Grove High School.
Ms. Solis Ruiz
School Counseling Office Receptionist
My parents are from Michoacán, Mexico but I was born in Hillsboro, Oregon. I have lived all my life in Oregon. I was raised in this little town that is slowly growing, Forest Grove. I come from a family of five children, the oldest sibling. I was a Forest Grove High School Graduate with the class of 2008. I have four wonderful children. When I’m not working I like to spend time catching up with my kiddos, as any mother
I love them with all of my heart. They are my lovely motor and reason. I love fruit! I could eat it all day (lol),
I enjoy talking and spending time with my family, I love flowers (I think they are so beautiful! I get it from my Grandmother), I enjoy listening to music & I love laughing (It’s good for the soul, my heart is
always thankful for who can do that).
The best thing about working here at Forest Grove High School is assisting the students and working with the Forest Grove High School staff, every day is a blessing and I feel honored to be here. Go Vikings!
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” – Paulo Coelho
School Counseling Office Receptionist
My parents are from Michoacán, Mexico but I was born in Hillsboro, Oregon. I have lived all my life in Oregon. I was raised in this little town that is slowly growing, Forest Grove. I come from a family of five children, the oldest sibling. I was a Forest Grove High School Graduate with the class of 2008. I have four wonderful children. When I’m not working I like to spend time catching up with my kiddos, as any mother
I love them with all of my heart. They are my lovely motor and reason. I love fruit! I could eat it all day (lol),
I enjoy talking and spending time with my family, I love flowers (I think they are so beautiful! I get it from my Grandmother), I enjoy listening to music & I love laughing (It’s good for the soul, my heart is
always thankful for who can do that).
The best thing about working here at Forest Grove High School is assisting the students and working with the Forest Grove High School staff, every day is a blessing and I feel honored to be here. Go Vikings!
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” – Paulo Coelho
Mrs. Van Loo
School Career & College Program Specialist I grew up in Beaverton, Oregon. My childhood dream job was to be a Veterinarian. My hobbies are photography and armchair ref'ing. I am married to my Husband Big John (he's 6' 6"). We have 3 kids between us. My daughter is Kinsey, she’s 16 and a Junior here at FGHS. My Step kids are Tyler, he's 19 and attending Clackamas CC. Bailey, she's 16 and a Junior at Hill High. We also have a cat named Lexi who runs our household. My favorite part of my job is the time I get to spend interacting with the students. |
Mrs. Worst
ASPIRE Coordinator
Hello! This is my first year as ASPIRE Coordinator and I am so pleased to meet you! I am a Gaston High School Grad. I attended Trinity Western University, BC, Canada, for my undergraduate degree in Honors Psychology. My masters is in Theological Studies from George Fox. I am a jack of all trades. Most recently, I have run an online retail business, which has been a rush! Before that, my husband (and fellow FGSD staffer and Teacher Extraordinaire!), John Worst, lived in South Korea and taught immersion English for 3.5 years. There my daughter was born and we came back here to raise her around family.
I love books and travel and music and spending time with my family and big doggie. I am here as ASPIRE Coordinator because I want everyone to be hopeful about their future. If you are unsure or could use direction regarding your future career, come see me in the College and Career Center! ASPIRE students meet during school hours (Easy, right?)! So no extra time commitment. I'd love to connect you with a knowledgeable, passionate, volunteer mentor who can help you discover your potential, help you find options (college or trade), and go with you through the (doable!) maze of financial aid and/or career/college preparation.
ASPIRE Coordinator
Hello! This is my first year as ASPIRE Coordinator and I am so pleased to meet you! I am a Gaston High School Grad. I attended Trinity Western University, BC, Canada, for my undergraduate degree in Honors Psychology. My masters is in Theological Studies from George Fox. I am a jack of all trades. Most recently, I have run an online retail business, which has been a rush! Before that, my husband (and fellow FGSD staffer and Teacher Extraordinaire!), John Worst, lived in South Korea and taught immersion English for 3.5 years. There my daughter was born and we came back here to raise her around family.
I love books and travel and music and spending time with my family and big doggie. I am here as ASPIRE Coordinator because I want everyone to be hopeful about their future. If you are unsure or could use direction regarding your future career, come see me in the College and Career Center! ASPIRE students meet during school hours (Easy, right?)! So no extra time commitment. I'd love to connect you with a knowledgeable, passionate, volunteer mentor who can help you discover your potential, help you find options (college or trade), and go with you through the (doable!) maze of financial aid and/or career/college preparation.