Counseling Department
Welcome to the David Douglas High School Counseling Office
As licensed counselors, we provide counseling services that are based on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model (www.schoolcounselor.org). Each student has an opportunity to meet with their Counselor one-on-one every semester. We also meet with students for a variety additional reasons, including anxiety, depression, frustrations with friends, family challenges, academic support, career exploration, college support, class planning, graduation requirements, family resources (including housing, food, and clothing) and more.
Mission:
Our mission through the School Counseling Program at David Douglas is to provide meaningful, equitable, and highly effective instruction so each student grows and thrives socially, emotionally, and academically. Through supportive communities of learners, David Douglas school counselors will foster the whole child to be a force for positive change in the global society.
Not sure where to go with your question? Email your counselor!
Department Staff
Freshman are assigned to a Counselor by their House. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are assigned by last name.
Zachary Pace (he/him)
Counselor
Student Last Name: A – Da
Office: (503) 261-8349
zachary_pace@ddsd40.org
Alicia Wendler (she/her)
Counselor
Freshman House: CASCADE
Student Last Name: Fm – Hoc
Office: (503) 261-8259
alicia_wendler@ddsd40.org
Kagan Young (he/him)
Counselor (Habla Español)
Freshman House: OCEAN
Student Last Name: Meo–O
Office: (503) 261-8370
kagan_young@ddsd40.org
Chris McHone (she/her)
Counselor
Student Last Name: Saf – Z
Google Voice: (601) 283-2267 | Office: (503) 261-8320 christine_mchone@ddsd40.org
Laura Alexander (she/her/they/them)
Social Worker
Office: 503-262-4470
laura_alexander@ddsd40.org
Sarah Hunt (she/her)
Department Chair; Counselor
Freshman House: TIMBER
Student Last Name: Db – Fl
Office: (503) 261-8319
sarah_hunt@ddsd40.org
Viridiana Almanza (she/her)
Counselor (Habla Español)
Student Last Name: Hod-Men
Office: (503) 256-6500 ext. 8048
viri_negrete-almanza@ddsd40.org
Candace Ruscitti (she/her)
Counselor
Freshman House: SUMMIT
Student Last Name: P-Sae
Google Voice: (601) 272-8633 | Office: (503) 261-8321
candace_ruscitti@ddsd40.org
Caty Buckley (she/her)
School Social Worker
Google Voice: (724) 497-2332 | Office: (503) 262-4474
caty_buckley@ddsd40.org
Jo Sinclair (she/her)
Counseling Secretary
503-261-8348
jo_sinclair@ddsd40.org
Barbie Racioppi (she/her)
Counseling Secretary
503-261-8322
barbie_racioppi@ddsd40.org
Student Records and Transcript Requests
Please contact our Registrar’s office for student records, transcript requests, and student withdrawals.
Additional Resources
Registrar’s office: request student records, transcripts and student withdrawals
Career Center: Find information on Scholarships, College Visitations and more!
2026-27 Curriculum Guide – Course descriptions
After School Clubs and Activities – see Student 5-Star app