Karla Cantu

Karla (she/her/Ella), is a Career Coach with Project Next, where she provides individualized college, career, and postsecondary support to McKinney-Vento students at Orange Glen High School. She earned her Master of Science in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from San Diego State University, her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language from California State University, Northridge, and her Associates of Arts in Psychology from Antelope Valley College.

As a first-generation college graduate who immigrated to the United States as a high school student and English learner, Karla understands firsthand how important it is for students to have someone who listens, understands their experiences, and helps them navigate unfamiliar educational systems. Her professional experience includes supporting diverse K–12 and college students through academic, social-emotional, and college and career counseling, including her work at San Diego Unified School District, Chula Vista Elementary School District, and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.

Karla is passionate about meeting students where they are and helping them recognize the strengths and possibilities they already possess. As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, she is committed to creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, represented, and believed in. She approaches her work through the values of empathy, equity, collaboration, and advocacy, with the belief that investing in young people is an investment in the future.