Mariela Gonzalez

Behavior Interventionist

I became an educator because… I have found joy working with the youths as it is crucial to be able to educate and provide social emotional learning skills for the young generation to come. To be able to also work in a community that feels like home is huge as I want to hopefully be that role model for kids that I wish I had growing up as a kid.

Prior to Equitas, I… graduated from Cal State Fullerton with my Bachelors in Human Services and Mental Health. I had to opportunity to do various internships allowing me to work with a wide variety of populations in Orange County such as foster youths, adolescents, and families struggling with homelessness. As I was trying to work more in the field I had to the opportunity to become a Behavior Technician with elementary kids and work as a shift lead for a franchised coffee shop.

I chose Equitas because… the community around Equitas allowed me to feel included, the school's values aligned with what I seemed fit, and to be able to work in the special education department was an amazing opportunity to be a part of as an educator.

Outside of school, I enjoy… Going snowboarding, playing volleyball, trying new coffee shops, and being able to relax/ explore with family or friends.