Meet Our Wellness Team

The Mental Health and Wellness Team includes Lashonda Eagels (“Lashonda or Ms. Eagels”), our Site Wellness Coordinator, a CASSY Therapist, and a Pacific Clinics Clinician.

	Lashonda Eagels "Lashonda or Ms. Eagels" Wellness Coordinator, PPSC Pronouns: she, her, hers Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am to 3:45pm Wednesdays 9:00 am to 1:40 pm in the Wellness Center [email protected] 408-626-3407 x7114 Lashonda Eagels is a Bay Area native and social work professional passionate about supporting students and families through wellness, belonging, and creative expression. She brings a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach to her work and holds multiple degrees/credentials in Social Work. Lashonda’s research and professional focus center on the power of belonging: helping young people feel seen, safe, and valued as a foundation for personal and academic growth. With experience in school-based mental health, oncology social work, and community advocacy, she is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Motto: I believe in the strength of community and the power of creativity.
	CASSY Therapists To make an appointment with our CASSY therapist, students need to see their school counselor first (see below), or come into the Wellness Center. One on one counseling is provided to our students through a district partnership with CASSY (Counseling and Support Services for Youth). CASSY is a nonprofit agency that partners with schools to provide professional mental health services to students in their academic setting. Our therapists are compassionate, competent and conveniently located right on campus. All services are free to our students and their parents. For more information on CASSY go to: https://cassybayarea.org/
	CASSY Therapist Diana Kamarauska, AMFT Monday-Friday 8a-4p, except Wednesday 8a-2p [email protected] 408-626-3407 x7115 Hello my name is Diana and I am a therapist with CASSY. I graduated from Santa Clara University (Go Broncos) and I have a broad spectrum of experience doing case management and therapy. I love helping people feel empowered to be their best selves and to know that they're not alone. I consider myself a safe space where feelings and thoughts can be vulnerably held and explored at the client's pace. I love nature and art and try to incorporate that into my work as well as personal life. Nothing brings me as much fulfillment as the genuine connections I make with others and the positive impact (however big or small) I make on the lives of those that seek it. It's a privilege being a part of Branham high school, where young minds and souls are blooming. I am here to ensure our students feel seen, heard and supported in all the possible ways. Favorite Quote: "All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark" - Swami Vivekananda
	CASSY Therapist / Terapeuta de CASSY Teresa Ponikvar, LMFT ("Ms. Tere") Pronouns: she / ella Tuesday and Wednesday / martes y miércoles [email protected] 408-628-3407 x 7167 Hi, I'm Teresa (or "Ms. Tere" if you prefer) and I support our Spanish-speaking students at Branham and other schools in the district. I believe that whoever you are, whatever you have lived through, you already have inside you what you need to heal and create meaning in your life. It is my privilege to support students in that process. Hola, soy Teresa (o "Ms. Tere" si gustas) y apoyo a nuestros estudiantes hispanohablantes en Branham y otras escuelas del distrito. Yo creo que quienquiera que seas, lo que sea que hayas vivido, ya tienes por dentro lo necesario para sanar y hacer sentido de tu vida. Es mi privilegio apoya a nuestros estudiantes en ese proceso Favorite quote / Cita favorita: "Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar." / "Traveler, there is no road, the road is made by walking." - Antonio Machado
	Pacific Clinics To make an appointment with Pacific Clinics, students need to see their school counselor first (see below), or come to the Wellness Center. Pacific Clinics is one of the largest behavioral health treatment providers in California. One of the programs provided by Pacific Clinics is early intervention and therapy to students and families who are suffering from a mental health issue. Pacific Clinics will have on-site Addiction and Prevention Services specialists available on campus during school hours. Their services include parent workshops, youth groups, and individual services. For more information about Pacific Clinics visit: https://www.pacificclinics.org/.