Staff

The California Association of School Counselors is lead by the Executive Board (Board of Directors) and managed by its Executive Director, Business Manager, Assistant Executive Director and the Operations and Event Associate.
 

Loretta Whitson
 
Loretta Whitson, Ed.D.
Executive Director
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Dr. Whitson is responsible for CASC operations and has devoted her life’s work to advancing the school counseling profession. She works closely with state leaders, legislators and journalists, clarifying complex educational issues and champions policies and practices to support school counselors in California.  For over twenty years Dr. Whitson was Director of Student Support Services in Monrovia USD where she oversaw the school counseling program, as well as several district-level operations. Between 2015-2017 Dr. Whitson served as an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Educational Counseling Program for the University of La Verne and was a visiting professor for 10 years at California State University Northridge.
 
Linda Hudson
 
Linda Hudson
Business Manager
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Linda began her work with CASC in 2006 and has been instrumental in many of the operational advancements CASC has made over the last 12 years.  Linda’s tenure began with the launching of CASC’s effort to implement AB1802, a state-level 200-million-dollar annual program that substantially increased the number of school counselors working in California’s K-12 schools.  Besides using her business expertise for CASC, Linda is the owner of The Dog Zone, a dog grooming and daycare retail business in Monrovia. Linda has her Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential and master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Nicole Gamache
 
Nicole Lanfranco
Operations & Event Associate
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Nicole is responsible for overseeing the logistics and execution of trainings, events, activities, including calendar and budget building, marketing, and assistance with overall office functions. Nicole has a background in sales, marketing, and social media. Between 2013-2018, she successfully produced events from conception through completion and has a strong passion for teamwork, working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines and communication. Nicole lives in Glendora with her husband Jorge, adores her animals and thrives by traveling and spending time with her family.
Patty Taylor Patty Taylor
Assistant Executive Director
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Patty retired from the San Bernardino City USD after 34 years as a school counselor. She has a passion for both teacher union work and advocacy for school counseling. She has served in many leadership roles in the San Bernardino Teachers Association, the California Teachers Association (CTC) and the National Education Association including SBTA President and NEA Board of Directors.Though retired, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that school counselors are advocated for and supported within the union. She was a founding member of CASC and served as President from 2012-2013. Patty is a devoted CASC staff member and supports CASC by serving on the Executive Council and on various committees in Sacramento. She lives in Highland with her husband and her two canine children and enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her grandsons in Virginia.
 
Jeff Ream Jeff Ream
Technology Chair/SCOY
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