Marcile Montoya

Along with a master’s degree and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from CSU Northridge, Marcile has more than a decade of counseling experience within South Pasadena Unified School District. As a senior lead counselor, she considers her work with students and families a purposeful and joyful partnership.

Beyond her work with South Pasadena Unified, Marcile also brings her perspectives as an admissions reader for UCLA, a Matchlight Scholars volunteer and a parent to her work as an Essay Specialist.

Her desire to genuinely connect with students and understand who they are as whole, dynamic people results in those in her care feeling heard, seen, understood and valued. Through this process, students learn to find their voice and articulate their thoughts, values and hopes in their college essays.

Marcile holds a particular interest in continuing to serve more students and families including those who identify as Spanish speaking. As the daughter of an asylum-seeking immigrant and first-generation college student, it is important to Marcile that all students be provided with equal access to educational opportunities.