Courtesy of Destiny Truong

With a vast expertise resume in many different groups, Ms. Kinoshita arrives in search of creating a brighter school environment for all.

Disclaimer: Due to the Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) policy, Ms. Kinoshita was unable to give a first-hand account regarding herself and her career.

LOS ALAMITOS, CA – Who is she? What is her vision? As the original military counselor of Los Alamitos High School, Ms. Kinoshita has devoted herself to its small military community with profound aspirations. Her exciting, new presence brought many appreciative students together on April 30, 2024 at her meet and greet in the WellSpace.

“Services are private and confidential except in situations that involve domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault or otherwise necessitate a duty to warn,” said an MFLC brochure.

According to Psychology Today, Ms. Kinoshita specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD with a focus on preteens, teens, adults, and elders. The clinical social worker attended California State University and graduated in 2001. She’s been a clinical social worker for 23 years.

“The MFLC counselor is a wonderful addition to the WellSpace! This program serves students who have an active military parent and may want to connect with a counselor about deployment, adjusting to moving schools, grief, and more,” said Ms. Ledterman, Los Al’s wellness counselor. “With two local military bases near the high school, we have many students that can benefit from these services.”

A small yet thriving community

MFLCs are also present at the elementary and middle schools of Los Alamitos Unified School District. By collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense, the district can access these counselors, ensure success, and provide seamless integration for military families.

McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach recently won the recognition of the prestigious California Purple Star School Designation Program; this program publicly awards schools that show competence in providing the unique needs of military families.

Considering most of the military-associated student populace has to deal with changing schools between six to nine times, McGaugh strives to serve its 13% of 500 students in the district with intention.

“Receiving the Purple Star designation is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our staff and community to support our military families,” said McGaugh’s principal, Ms. Wood. “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and will continue to strive for excellence in serving all our students.”

Overall, with the addition of Ms. Kinoshita, Los Al’s first military counselor, we can look forward to achieving newfound empathetic connections and a greater reputation as a school.