Counseling Services
For students experiencing specific barriers to academic success and emotional well-being, individual and small-group counseling is available at University Park Elementary. This service is provided by Yvette Moreno, M.A, P.P.S, our Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist (ERC), and offers a wide range of support services such as short-term, solution-focused individual or small group counseling, parenting support and consultation, and community resource outreach and linkage. If students need longer-term or more intensive counseling services, the Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist can provide parents with resources for local counseling agencies or assist them with finding service providers through their medical insurance.
In addition, Lunch Bunch gatherings are available each week where students have the option to join the ERC during their lunch break to meet new peers, and socialize with friends while participating in games as well as fun activities! Lastly, we collaborate with local outside agencies to provide FREE parent education workshops on various important topics throughout the school year.
Meet your Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist
Hello, everyone! My name is Yvette Moreno, your Elementary Resource Counselor at University Park.
I am an advocate for students' social-emotional well-being and development. I enjoy providing short-term individual/group counseling, student check-ins, ongoing recess activities, lunch bunch, parent consultations, staff training, and community resource linkage.
When I am not on site, I enjoy spending time with my family, visiting coffee shops, reading, taking care of my plants, and hiking.
If you would like to discuss counseling services, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me via phone at (949) 936- 6348 or email at yvettemoreno@iusd.org
Second Step Program
Each classroom can explore monthly lessons through SecondSTEP (http://www.secondstep.org/) and align with the following skill-building areas: Skills for Learning, Empathy, Emotional Management, and Problem Solving. In addition to classroom lessons, students at University Park Elementary can participate in small groups that support the monthly classroom lessons. Group sessions are held once a week for 10- 12 weeks and are a pullout service that students receive during their school day. Talk to your child's teacher if you feel your child would benefit from this program. If you would like more information on SecondSTEP or other related services, check out IUSD’s Prevention & Intervention page found here (https://iusd.org/department/prevention-and-intervention)
Parent Resources
Below are a few helpful articles about your child's well-being and social and emotional development. Should you need further support or information, please contact Yvette Moreno at (949) 936- 6347 or yvettemoreno@iusd.org.
- Back To School Dos and Don'ts
- Getting Back To A School Routine
- Growing Gratitude
- Getting Organized
- Tips for Creating a Coping Skills Toolbox
- Tips for Building Healthy Friendships
- Tips for Social Media Usage
- Connecting through Communication
Community Resources
Irvine Family Resource Center
Short-term, solution-focused individual and family therapy, resource linkage and referrals, and parent education/support groups to IUSD families K-12.
(949) 936-7580 I https://iusd.org/about/departments/education-services/student-support-services/mental-health-and-wellness/irvine
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center:
Santa Ana Services: Crisis line, outreach, and survivor support services for family members of a person who committed suicide.
(714) 547- 0855 I https://didihirsch.org/about-us/
Families Forward:
The non-profit organization that helps OC families who are homeless or at risk.
(949) 552-2727 I https://www.families-forward.org/
Western Youth Services:
(949) 855- 1556 I https://www.westernyouthservices.org/
The Prevention Center Services:
Parenting programs include parenting workshops, helping kids cope with divorce, and parenting resources.
(714) 543- 4333 I www.BrightFutures4Kids.org
Children's Support and Parenting Program (CSPP) Services:
Psychoeducation groups for parents and caregivers with school-aged children.
(714) 480-4678 I www,ochealthinfo.com
24-Hour Crisis Line:
(877) 727-4747
Irvine Police Department:
(949) 724-7000 (non-emergency line)
OC Links:
(855) 625-4657
Contact Information
Yvette Moreno, M.A., P.P.S.
Elementary Resource Counseling Specialist
(949) 936- 6347
yvettemoreno@iusd.org
Office hours
Monday-Friday during school hours. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response, except for holiday breaks, weekends, and when our office is closed.
If there is a life-threatening emergency, and the student requires immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.