Meet Our Counselors
Email: cordeirobenson.andre@pusd.us
Andrea Cordeiro-Benson
It is a privilege to work with all of the students, parents, teachers, staff, and stakeholders at Blair for what is now my sixth year here. I have served as a School Counselor for over 21 years in Pasadena Unified School District. I so enjoy helping students to work towards and achieve their academic, college and career, and personal and social goals! I earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from the University of Washington. I earned a Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. I earned a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from Phillips Graduate Institute. When I am not working, I like to read, walk, hike, sing, and spend time with my husband, two year old son and seven year old son, and my extended family and friends.
Email: mendoza.destiny@pusd.us
Destiny Mendoza
I am SO excited to be a part of the Viking family! I love being able to work with students from all walks of life and look forward to watching them grow and succeed. I strive to be a positive role model not only academically but socially and mentally, as I look to encourage all students to be kind and work to be their best each day. I studied at Cal State Los Angeles for my BA in Psychology and Azusa Pacific University for my Masters of Arts in Educational and Clinical Counseling. I look forward to working with all of my students and their families. Let's have a great school year!
Email: linares.erica@pusd.us
Erica Linardes
My name is Erica Linares, and I’ve been a School Counselor in PUSD for 19 years, and I’m a proud PUSD parent of two daughters. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, and a Master’s in Counseling from Sonoma State University. My background includes knowledge of Career Academies, College Advisement, Academic Support and Intervention, 504 and Special Education Services, and Adult Education. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ youth; and helping students discover their strengths and navigate post-secondary education. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, organizing and decorating my home, arts and crafts, snowboarding, and hiking. I’m really excited about being a Viking! Come visit me and say “hi” in the Counseling Center.
Email: chan.nicole@pusd.us
Nicole Chan
In 2018, I started my counseling profession here at Blair and then McKinley for 4 years, and I am happy to be back as the A-G Counselor. Working with students to reach their academic potential through course/college advisement and bridging their career interests and aspirations are my main focuses at Blair. Inspired by my 3rd grade teacher, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona and later my Master’s Degree in Counseling from Chapman University. Building connections with students gives me much joy; even more so watching them flourish. Outside of work, I love maintaining an awesome home filled with games, puzzles, vibrant plants/gardens, and am devoted to my couch and many streaming services.
Email: hernandez.magdalena@pusd.us
Maggy Hernandez, ACSW, PPSC (M/Th/F)
My journey as a clinical social worker began in 2020 when I received my Master of Social Work from USC. I always knew I loved working with kids, and social work seemed like the perfect fit! This will be my second year at Blair, and I greatly enjoy the kids and staff at this school. My motto as a social worker is, “Be the person you needed when you were younger”, and I am grateful I get to do that every day. As the clinical social worker, my biggest priority is to provide Blair students with a safe space and encourage them to have dreams and make them come true. When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my friends, go on very long walks, and listen to music. I’m ready for the 2023-2024 school year!