School Counselor
Hello, Mission Valley Family -
(Parents/Guardians, Students, Teachers & Staff)
My name is Maherangaiz Tamana. My students and colleagues call me, Ms. Maher. I can't express how grateful and overjoyed I am to be back for the 2nd year as a full-time school counselor.  I would like to continue building connections and establish good rapports not just with all the students and staff, but with the awesome parents/guardians of Mission Valley as well. Please note, that there is "ALWAYS" a BIG "SMILE" behind the Mask :)
A Little Bit About Me-
Born in Afghanistan, came to the US as a refugee alongside my parents and five siblings. I am Trilingual in Farsi, Urdu, and English. I have lived in the beautiful city of Fremont since the 1990s. I am married and have two college-age daughters and a 10-year-old son who is keeping me active & young at heart!  When at home besides cooking and cleaning, I like to go for long walks or biking. I love the sounds and sightseeing of nature, especially waterfalls and rivers.  I don't have any hobbies yet, but I would love to learn oil painting.
Professional Background-
MAE (Master of Arts in Education) Along with a PPS Credential (School Counseling) from Alliant University, San Francisco; Bachelors in Liberal- Arts from East Bay University.
Starting my 4th year as a school counselor- First-two year as an IEP- Counselor for San Jose Unified School District & Evergreen School District, and last year and a half as a Gen.Ed Counselor with Fremont Unified School. I have also worked as a substitute teacher for FUSD and as an office manager and CALPADS coordinator for two different Charter schools (Fremont, Hayward).
Why Elementary School Counseling?
The elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication, and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups, and family.
Mission Valley School Counseling Program
The school counseling program at Mission Valley is geared toward meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. This developmental and preventative program focuses on helping students achieve academic and personal success through a variety of guidance activities. In an attempt to meet these needs, the counseling program offers many services for you and your child. Services include classroom guidance lessons that address broad developmental topics (self-esteem, social skills, problem-solving skills, career awareness, etc.).
Short-term (6-8 Weeks) Individual counseling is available for students who have specific needs such as behavioral issues, anger management, low self-esteem, etc... Counseling referrals may be received from students (Self Referral Form), teachers (COST-Referral ), and parents/ guardians. Another service that is offered through the counseling department is small group counseling. Students who will benefit from small group counseling are those students that share concerns that are similar to others (i.e.- children of divorce, grief groups, assertiveness training groups, anger management groups, etc.). Small groups offer students the opportunity to share experiences with others, have support, and learn from students who are dealing with similar issues. All students can learn from counseling activities and can benefit from active participation {Please note- None of the counseling data will be placed in your child's cumulative file.} I am also available for consultation or individual appointments to discuss your child’s needs or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out via email, phone call, or Google form {Available on the upper Left side of the page}. I look forward to working with your child this year and meeting with you in near future. For a quick summary of the counseling program please also click on the link of my brochure (fremontunified-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/mtamana_fusdk12_net/ETyrgElkZwZFrAJiFSN_tQsB-RpOUEbb7d5k-9Bpn-GSTQ?rtime=ejGsXGVy2kg
Last but not the least, I truly appreciate it if you can support your school counselor by donating any item from my amazon wish list.  (amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3QZ3MF7QPFUUO?ref_=wl_share)
Thank you in advance for your support and generosity!
GO BEAVERS!!!
Maher Tamana
Counselor, MA-PPS
Mission Valley Elementary
Email- [email protected]
Phone number- 510-656-2000 ext. 34130
School Counselor Brochure
Counselor's Program Support -Amazon Wish List Link