Yuba City High School - Meet Your YCHS Counselors

Counseling

Meet Your YCHS Counselors

The YCHS Counselors are here for to support and provide guidance for your Academics, Career goals, and Social-Emotional needs. You may reach out to them by scheduling an appointment in the Counseling Office, filling out the YCHS Request for Counselor Appointment, email, or phone call.

Mrs. Abril

Hola, my name is Victoria Abril and I am one of the six awesome counselors at YCHS. I am excited to be starting my 8th year on campus and my 29th year in education. I have worked with elementary, middle and high school students as a teacher or counselor. One of the reasons that I love being at YCHS is that I grew up in Yuba City and graduated from here 35 years ago! After high school, I went to Yuba College and then transferred to California State University, Chico, where I received my teaching credential. While teaching I worked with some amazing school counselors that made me want to use my skills to reach students in a more holistic way. While teaching in Yuba City, I went back to school at CSU Sacramento to become a School Counselor. I'm blessed to have very close family and loving circle of friends. I live in Antelope with my hubby and two fur babies, Lily and Harry. I enjoy swimming, reading, and watching movies with my husband. I love my job! Being a counselor allows me to support students and families during their high school journey. My goal is to provide knowledge and supports to my students throughout their high school years. My hope is that with these supports they will be able to make healthy choices that will allow them to be successful now and after high school. I want all Honkers and their families to know that I am here for them!

Ms. Gates

Hello! My name is Patty Gates, I am starting my 2nd year here at YCHS but my 25th year in education. I have worked at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Throughout those years I have served as a school counselor, administrative assistant, basketball, softball, and volleyball coach, student support specialist, counseling technician, and even campus security in my early years! I absolutely have a passion for serving students and I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our students and families here at Yuba City High School. I grew up in the Yuba-Sutter area and attended Yuba College and Chico State after high school. I have four children that took priority in my early career and finished my bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in educational counseling much later in life. When I am not at work you will find me on a sporting field or court somewhere as I spend a large part of my time training and coaching athletes. I love to travel, coach, and explore new places. I am extremely happy to be here and look forward to working with you and your students through this stage of life.

Mr. G (Grimaldi)

Greetings! I’m Mr. Grimaldi, but to make things easier I also go by Mr. G – and I am one of the counselors at here at YCHS. While I am new to YCHS, I have been a counselor for over 26 years, and involved in education for most of that time. I have worked as a Middle School teacher, a Social Worker, a Career Counselor, and a School Counselor with both Elementary and Middle School students. I grew up in the Bay Area, and graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology from San Jose State University. After relocating to the Sacramento area, I received my Masters Degree in Education (with specializations in School and Career) from CSU Sacramento. Anyone who visits my office will realize I am a happy “nerd” with superheroes, Pokémon, and Star Wars decorations everywhere. I’m also a fan of theater arts, band, football, soccer, cross country, and track & field. Becoming a counselor at YCHS is an exciting opportunity as I’ve wanted to return to working with High School students to support their “launching” into the next stage of their lives. While this is my second year working within the Yuba City School District, I have come to truly love the Yuba City community, and I look forward to supporting and contributing to our students, families, and communities’ future success.

Mrs. O (Olchefske)

Hi there! My name is Amy Olchefske but please feel free to call me Mrs. O. This is my 6th year as a school counselor and this is my 3rd year at Yuba City High School. I absolutely love being a Honker and the work we do here at YCHS. I attended the University of Nevada, Reno where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. After working with families at Early Head Start, I decided to go back to school and pursue my Master's Degree in School Counseling. When I am out of the office you can find me spending time with my husband and son, watching The Office, or attending any sporting event or concert I can get to. I tend to find humor in the most ordinary things, but I also value hard work when it needs to be done. I look forward to supporting you all as you navigate where your future may take you!

Mrs. Russell

Hello YCHS students and families, This year will be my 8th as a school counselor and my 16th working with high school students. I truly love the high school setting and assisting students not only through high school, but in developing future plans, whether that be college, trade school, military, or straight into the work force. I graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Public Relations and received my Masters in School Counseling from National University. Most recently, I completed the certified college admissions advising program through UC Berkeley extension, and I am looking forward to utilizing the information I learned to guide my students in their college exploration journey. Please feel free to reach out to me if you or your student have any questions. I Look forward to working with you all this year!

Mrs. Vlahos (Mrs. D)

Hello YCHS families. I go by Mrs. D and I am the newest addition to the counseling team. This is my 8th year as a school counselor, 7 years at Bridge Street and my first year at the high school. I look forward to being a member of the YCHS family and supporting students in creating an amazing future for themselves. I am a graduate of the University of Utah where I received my Bachelors and Masters Degrees. I have spent 32 years in the helping profession and love helping our youth become all they can be. When I am not at work I can be found tending to my property, hanging out with husband and daughter, going to the beach or Disneyland, or attending concerts. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns, I look forward to working together in support of your student.

Meet Your YCHS Counselors

Welcome YCHS Students