Meet the Counselors
Gabriela Arizola
Gabriela Arizola has been serving as a dedicated school counselor with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University San Marcos and a Master of Science in School Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University.
Mrs. Arizola’s passion for helping others was deeply shaped by her two years of volunteer service with the Peace Corps in Nicaragua. She began her counseling career at a high school in Baltimore, Maryland, where she supported English Language Learners and served as a college counselor before returning to her home state of California.
At Murrieta Canyon Academy, Mrs. Arizola meets students where they are, helping them build on their strengths and guiding them toward their goals. Her commitment is to ensure that every student feels confident, supported, and prepared for success in high school and beyond. Mrs. Arizola is bilingual and speaks Spanish.
Jodi Spoon-Sadlon
Jodi Spoon-Sadlon brings over 15 years of school counseling experience and currently serves as the 6th–12th grade Independent Study Counselor for Murrieta Valley Unified School District, supporting students at Learn@Home and Murrieta Canyon Academy. Her career spans TK–12th grade, and she’s now in her fourth year leading Independent Study, helping diverse learners thrive in flexible, personalized environments.
She began as a Montessori teacher in Dana Point before transitioning to counseling in 2009 with MVUSD, where she’s served in multiple elementary schools as a counselor and affect intervention specialist. Jodi is passionate about inclusive, data-driven programs that empower students and foster safe school communities.
A proud member of CASC and ASCA, her work has earned several honors, including:
- MVUSD School Counselor of the Year (2016–2017)
- Riverside County Counselor of the Year (2018)
- Azusa Pacific Distinguished Alumni Award (2018)
- ASCA RAMP School of Distinction (2020)
She holds degrees from Mount San Jacinto College, Concordia University, and Azusa Pacific University, along with PPS and Montessori credentials. Jodi’s dedication centers on student well-being and ensuring every learner feels supported and empowered.