Karina Chavez Barragan

Karina is a dedicated school social worker and counselor serving students within a continuation high school setting. With two years of professional practice, she works closely with a school district to provide counseling, advocacy, and comprehensive support for adolescents who have often been underserved or misunderstood by traditional educational systems. Her role is multifaceted, combining direct counseling with community-based outreach, home visits, and restorative practices designed to meet students where they are and address their individual needs.

In her daily work, Karina supports students through individual and group counseling, restorative circles, and collaboration with families, probation officers, and community partners. She is deeply involved in advocacy, attending court hearings when necessary and representing students’ progress, behavior, and growth beyond the classroom. A strong proponent of culturally responsive care, she actively engages with local Native tribes and community organizations, helping students reconnect with their cultural roots while addressing intergenerational trauma, mental health, and overall well-being. Her philosophy centers on the belief that mental health comes first, and that education is most effective when students feel seen, respected, and supported.

Karina’s path into social work was shaped by her lived experiences and academic background. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chicano and Latino Studies from Sonoma State University, followed by her graduate education at CSU Stanislaus, where she obtained her credential as a school social worker. Inspired by mentors, educators, and her own experiences with loss and resilience, she is driven by a deep commitment to early intervention, youth empowerment, and community healing. Looking ahead, Karina hopes to expand her impact by continuing to work with adolescents and eventually developing her own practice or organization focused on grief, suicide prevention, resourcing, and advocacy for underserved communities.

• Sonoma State University
• CSU Stanislaus

• Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC)
• The Mending Basket