Irvine Unified School District
Elana Lesse is a Mental Health Specialist at the Irvine Unified School District, focusing on supporting McKinney-Vento and Foster Youth students and families since January 2024. Prior to this role, Elana served as the ERMHS Department Training & Professional Development Coordinator at Specialized Therapy Services, Inc., where responsibilities included training a team of over 20 mental health clinicians. Elana is also a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor providing virtual therapy through BetterHelp. Previous experience includes positions as Vice President and Manager at San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours, as well as various counseling roles at Springall Academy, San Diego Center for Children, and PRIDE Academy. Educational qualifications include a Master of Arts in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Irvine Unified School District
Located in Orange County, California, the Irvine Unified School District comprises a diverse population of more than 35,000 TK-12 students in one early childhood learning center, 24 elementary schools, four K-8 schools, six middle schools, five high schools and one alternative high school. Since becoming a school district in 1972, IUSD schools have been nationally recognized for comprehensive programs in academics, the arts, and athletics. Through a partnership with talented and caring teachers, engaged students, involved parents, and supportive business and community leaders, student and district performance continually exceeds state and national standards.