Counseling & Guidance

Welcome Alternative Education students and families. My name is Lissa Watts and I am the proud counselor for Alternative Education (Patricia Dreizler High School, Redondo Beach Learning Academy and Independent Studies). I am a Redondo Beach native and also a graduate of a continuation high school myself. I attended Cal State University, Northridge for my Bachelor's degree then went on to National University to obtain my Master's degree and PPS Credential.  I also completed an Administrative Services Credential Program at Chapman University in 2008. I am happily married and am also the mother of three beautiful boys. I have been employed with RBUSD since 2004. I began as an elementary counselor and began working in alternative education in 2009. My door is always open and I look forward to building relationships with each of you to help each student reach his/her greatest potential!

I can be reached at [email protected] or at (310) 798-8690 ext. 2002

While enrolled in Alternative Education, your child has an excellent opportunity for social and academic growth. All students meet with a counselor and/or supervised Pupil Personnel Services intern on a regular basis for academic support and college/career/vocational exploration. All students also complete a senior portfolio which includes a resume, letters of recommendation and personal statement. They can utilize the portfolio for college, scholarship and job applications.

Limited individual and group counseling, crisis prevention/intervention, and referral services are also available with parent permission. Depending upon personal needs, topics of discussion may include: boosting self-esteem, improving social communication, separation/divorce/blended family issues, alternatives to aggression and withdrawal, alcohol/drug abuse awareness, loss/grieving and the realities of promiscuous behavior. Counseling sessions typically meet 20-45 minutes per week. Your child will be responsible for any missed school work (teachers are generally very cooperative). While we hope that you will allow your child to participate in the school counseling program, please note if your student is currently under a SARB contract or expulsion order, school based counseling will not fulfill the mandate for individual counseling if it was ordered.

For more information follow this link Academic Resources

Watts, Lissa Counselor