Guidance & Counseling
Counselors
iGrad counselors can help you:
Make an academic plan and manage your time.
Address personal, social, and emotional concerns.
Create a plan to reach personal goals.
Find community resources for food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and more.
Plan and prepare for life after high school and a career.
Set healthy boundaries and regulate emotions.
Counselors are assigned according to the student’s last name.
Counselor, Last Names A-L
Brian Upchurch
Counselor, Last Names M-Z
Janine Weber
Social Worker
The social worker can help you with:
Personal goals and action steps
Weekly planning and time management
Community resources (i.e. housing, food, clothing, health care, parenting programs, child care, etc.)
LGBTQ support (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning support)
Resume writing, cover letter writing, and job applications
Internship opportunities
The social worker is available Monday-Friday.
Monday: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Fridays: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Samson Tekle
Social Worker
(253) 373-7969
"I graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. A year later, I returned to EWU to complete my Master’s degree in School Social Work. After college, I was hired by Green River Community College as the iGrad GED Case Manager, where I was able to help students achieve their short-term goals and plan for their future. During my free time I like to play sports, travel, and try new things. The furthest I’ve ever traveled was East Africa, which was actually a really great experience. I plan on traveling to South America next."
Northwest Education Access (NWEA)
Northwest Education Access (NWEA) can help you:
Explore different college degrees, certificates, and programs.
Create an individualized transition plan for after iGrad.
Assistance in applying to colleges, technical schools, and apprenticeships.
Help with financial aid & scholarships for both US citizens and undocumented students.
Support throughout the entire post-high school process. I can still work with students after they leave iGrad.
The NWEA is available on Tuesdays from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Vilma Alvarado Garcia
Northwest Education Access (NWEA)
(206) 531-3022
"Vilma is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Washington, with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Communities, & Organizations. Vilma was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Before coming to NW Education Access, Vilma was a College and Career Readiness Assistant working with the students at Foster High School in Tukwila. She is passionate about providing the support and encouragement she received in her academic journey to other students in her community. Outside of work, Vilma enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, crafting, and taking care of her plants"
Asian Counseling & Referral Services (ACRS)
Asian Counseling & Referral Service (ACRS) offers free (no medical insurance needed) and completely confidential counseling for all iGrad students. For referrals, contact Samson Tekle at (253) 373-7969 or Samson.Tekle@kent.k12.wa.us.