Mercey Springs Elementary School Counseling Team
Since 2023, Hatching Results has partnered with Los Banos Unified School District in central California to help strengthen and elevate their comprehensive school counseling programs. Over the past two years, Mindy Willard and Tyesha Hemmans have worked closely with the district’s dedicated counselors—training, coaching, and cheering them on as they build systems that make a real difference for kids.
We recently gathered insights from the school counseling team at Mercey Springs Elementary, Eileen Gutknecht and Deysi Maldonado, to understand, in their own words, how the work is unfolding: the gains they’re proud of, the challenges they’ve tackled, and the ways this partnership is reshaping support for students across their district.
Their reflections offer a clear and inspiring picture of how intentional training, collaboration, and data-driven practices can transform school counseling programs and ensure every student is served through a comprehensive, equitable system of support.
Training Impact & Daily Practice
What is one key change you’ve made in your daily school counseling practice as a result of our training?
One key change I’ve made as a result of our Hatching Results training is implementing a data-driven system to make informed decisions. Our counseling team now uses data to identify student needs, guide interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Having an annual calendar with lessons tailored to our school’s specific needs has created a stronger, more intentional counseling program and allowed us to better support all students.
How has the training influenced the way you use data or technology in your role?
Hatching Results training has greatly influenced the way we use data and technology in our school counseling program. We now use data daily to progress monitor Tier II interventions such as Check-In Check-Out, ensuring that student supports are effective and responsive to their needs. In addition, we have created monthly newsletters (October Newsletter) to keep families informed about our counseling program. Using ParentSquare and social media has enhanced communication and engagement with parents. Hatching Results has also emphasized the importance of sharing data transparently, which has led us to post updates on our school website and social media platforms to highlight our progress and outcomes.”
What part of the training had the biggest “aha moment” for you?
Our biggest “aha moment” occurred when we began utilizing data and realized how essential it truly is. We found ourselves wondering how we ever operated without it. Data has become a powerful tool—not only for guiding our decisions and improving outcomes but also for effectively communicating progress and impact with our partners.
“Data has become a powerful tool—not only for guiding our decisions and improving outcomes but also for effectively communicating progress and impact with our partners.”
Personal & Professional Growth
How has the training supported your growth as a school counselor and leader in your school community?
Hatching Results has greatly supported our growth as school counselors and leaders by equipping us with the knowledge and tools to implement a comprehensive approach that addresses all MTMDSS areas. We are now able to effectively use data to guide our practices and ensure we are supporting the whole student—academically, socially-emotionally, and in their college and career readiness. Additionally, this training has strengthened our ability to collaborate with families and the school community to promote student success in all areas.
What’s one tool, strategy, or mindset shift from the training that you now consider essential to your work?
One essential strategy we have adopted from the training is creating a monthly calendar that tracks how our time is allocated each day. This tool allows us to clearly see where our efforts are focused and ensure alignment with student needs and program goals. Sharing this calendar with our administration has also strengthened communication, transparency, and collaboration, allowing for more planning and support across our school community.
Encouragement & Advice for Others
What words of encouragement would you share with fellow school counselors who are working to grow in their practice?
My words of encouragement to fellow school counselors would be: don’t give up, and try not to feel overwhelmed. Remember that growth takes time, and every effort you make truly matters. Data may seem challenging at first, but it becomes easier and more meaningful with practice. Most importantly, never hesitate to reach out for support—there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. We are all in this together, working toward the same goal of helping our students succeed. Best of luck on your journey!
Why would you recommend other school counselors participate in this type of training?
We would highly recommend this training to other school counselors because it provides a clear framework for building a comprehensive, data-driven counseling program. Hatching Results empowers counselors to use data intentionally to guide decisions, measure outcomes, and advocate for student needs. It also strengthens collaboration with staff, families, and the community through organized systems, annual calendars, and clear communication tools. We have truly made a huge impact at our site using the Hatching Results model. Mindy and Tyesha have been such wonderful and knowledgeable trainers, and we greatly appreciate their feedback and support in helping us enhance our school counseling program.
“Hatching Results empowers school counselors to use data intentionally to guide decisions, measure outcomes, and advocate for student needs.”
MERCEY SPRINGS ARTIFACTS
Mindy and Tyesha have witnessed tremendous growth among all the school counselors in Los Banos USD. Each counselor is eager to move beyond “random acts of guidance” and fully embrace the comprehensive school counseling model. We are especially inspired by Eileen and Deysi, whose commitment to applying what they learned in training has translated into meaningful change for students. They consistently share updates on their progress, and the student outcomes speak volumes about their dedication and intentional practice. Their advice to fellow counselors reflects a deep understanding of how aligning their work to the school counseling framework truly drives impact. There is great work happening in Los Banos USD! We are proud to celebrate the school counselors who are leading the way.
Check out a few of Mercey Springs Comprehensive School Conseling Program Artifacts
