Meet the Counseling Team
Meet Mrs. Flores- College Counselor
Hello. My name is Mariela Flores. I am a seasoned high school College Counselor. I have dedicated the past nine years of my life to guiding students on their journey to college. As a first-generation college student, I understand firsthand the challenges and uncertainties of applying to college and navigating life after high school.
My mission is to transform students into solid college-bound candidates. To achieve this, I provide:
- one-on-one meetings
- group workshops
- comprehensive assistance with the college application process from start to finish
- guidance on the financial aid application process, including the FAFSA, Cal Grant, and Scholarships
- helpful information on taking community college classes and AP Exams
- support in applying to internships, fellowships, and other academic programs.
My approach is to start guiding students from as early as 9th grade, intending to nurture them into independent college students by the time they graduate high school. My personal experience and professional expertise have helped me guide students and their families as they navigate the complex world of college applications and beyond.
Stop by Room 79A if you have any questions about college, financial aid, or academic programs!
Meet Mrs. Vasquez- Academic Counselor 
Dear SBHEM Families,
My name is Mrs. Vasquez, and I will be your son/daughter’s School Counselor. I joined the Sylmar family 19 years ago as a School Counselor. Before Counseling, I was an Elementary School teacher for 6 years. I enjoyed every minute of working with our student population. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and I, too, attended Sylmar Schools. I have been blessed to be part of my local community, and it has been a joy!
My goal is to assist all students with their academic, social, and personal performance and prepare them for life beyond high school. I look forward to supporting the students, staff, families, and community.
As you might know, students need to pass their academic coursework each year and earn specific credits to be promoted to the next grade level:
- 9th -10th Grades = 50 credits
- 10th-11th Grades = 105 credits
- 11th-12th Grades = 160 credits
All students must earn 210 credits and fulfill the Service Learning Project to earn a high school diploma. I will schedule a conference with you and your child in the coming months to create an Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP). During this conference, we will discuss your child’s academic progress, credits, graduation requirements, and college and career programs in preparation for a successful future.
I welcome your involvement as we work together to provide the best possible education to Sylmar Biotech's students.