Hello students & parents. My name is Marina Gonzalez and I am your school counselor! This is my fifth year at Ascent and I am so excited to be a part of such an amazing school! I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of you! 

I graduated from the University of Utah (Go Utes!) with a Masters in Educational Psychology in 2018. I also obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology there. I absolutely love learning about other cultures! Prior to becoming a school counselor, I worked with parents and students for over 20 years in a nearby district. I also worked as a legal secretary for ten years in my earlier years and enjoyed learning about all types of legal issues. 

In my spare time (before going back to college), I worked as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America with my husband for over 25 years and we ran a Venturing co-ed crew with my sons and daughter. So I enjoy camping and outdoor activities. And yes, my sons have their Eagle rank. However, my sons and daughter enjoyed working towards obtaining their Silver award more than anything else! 

I was born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, California so I am fluent in Spanish. I have been married to my husband for over 30 years and we have four adult children and five amazing grandsons!  We inherited three dogs, two mini schnauzers and a chihuahua, from my married children. So we get the family thing with pets. I love being a grandmother and spending time with my grandsons is my favorite kind of vacation. 

Some of my hobbies include photography, reading, arts & crafts, shopping, and looking for inspiring and uplifting quotes for my office. Please stop by and say “Hi”. You will find me in room 132 next to the main office. My door reads… “You are loved, you are valued, you are important! Let’s talk about your future…” I have branded my role in an acronym so that you know and understand what I do for students here at Ascent. I have it written on a large canvas next to my door. It reads... “I get your A.C.E.!” Academics, College & Career, and Emotional Support. You can learn more about what services I provide in my counselor brochure that is in my literature display next to my office door.