At Longwood Elementary in Hayward, CA, the Counseling Enriched Classroom (CEC) has been a cornerstone of Hayward Unified School District’s (HUSD) special education offerings for over 18 years. Serving 3rd–6th grade students, this classroom provides a deeply supportive environment that integrates academic learning with social-emotional growth. At the heart of the program is Ms. Alvarez, a dedicated educator and former Seneca mental health counselor, who has spent more than a decade teaching in this setting. Her background in both education and mental health allows her to create a classroom that is structured, nurturing, and attuned to the complex needs of each student.
The CEC’s strength lies in its exceptional multidisciplinary team, including therapist Becky Raeta and four skilled Mental Health Counselors—Hafsa Desai, Kristine Guzman, Kristal Mejia Perez, and Karo Amanian. Together, they form a collaborative and compassionate unit that ensures each child receives individualized care. Some of their extensive work includes providing 1:1 continuous support for students with higher needs, offering weekly family therapy outside of school hours, and coordinating field trips and community outings that extend learning beyond the classroom. This holistic approach supports students’ growth not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, helping them build the tools needed for long-term success.
A standout feature of the Longwood CEC is its robust partnership with general education teachers, allowing for meaningful and sustained mainstreaming opportunities. With careful planning and staff support, several students spend large portions of their day learning alongside their general education peers—building confidence, friendships, and academic skills in inclusive settings. This thoughtful integration highlights the CEC team’s commitment to equity, belonging, and the belief that all students can thrive when provided with the right support. The Longwood CEC stands as a model of what is possible when a school community works together to ensure every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
The CEC’s strength lies in its exceptional multidisciplinary team, including therapist Becky Raeta and four skilled Mental Health Counselors—Hafsa Desai, Kristine Guzman, Kristal Mejia Perez, and Karo Amanian. Together, they form a collaborative and compassionate unit that ensures each child receives individualized care. Some of their extensive work includes providing 1:1 continuous support for students with higher needs, offering weekly family therapy outside of school hours, and coordinating field trips and community outings that extend learning beyond the classroom. This holistic approach supports students’ growth not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, helping them build the tools needed for long-term success.
A standout feature of the Longwood CEC is its robust partnership with general education teachers, allowing for meaningful and sustained mainstreaming opportunities. With careful planning and staff support, several students spend large portions of their day learning alongside their general education peers—building confidence, friendships, and academic skills in inclusive settings. This thoughtful integration highlights the CEC team’s commitment to equity, belonging, and the belief that all students can thrive when provided with the right support. The Longwood CEC stands as a model of what is possible when a school community works together to ensure every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Blog By: Alexandra Rutherford, Assistant Director of School Partnerships
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