A.P.G. Counseling

Mission: The A.P. Giannini Counseling Department guides students to develop and sustain a positive sense of self towards their academic and social/emotional lives, to see themselves as unique and worthy, with an emphasis on learning to respect others and their different cultural perspectives. We help to instill a sense of belonging and connection in the school community and empower students to become self-advocates and lifelong learners.

Vision: The A.P. Giannini Counseling Department envisions a future where students develop each year and are prepared for their next grade level. As they leave Giannini after 8th grade, Giannini students are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for the changes they will encounter in high school and beyond. Giannini students contribute to their school and communities with their skills and dedication.

School Counselor's Role

The counselor works in collaboration with school staff, administrators, teachers, parents, and community members to be an advocate for students in order to maximize student potential and academic achievement, so that students may be healthy and productive members of society. The school counselor assumes a leadership role in the development of an appropriate program of guidance for the school site. Services offered include:

• Collaboration and consultation with students, teachers, families, and other providers to identify strategies to help student(s) in areas of academics, behavior, and social-emotional well-being.
• Serves as a resource in the area of student intervention using researched and evidence-based practices.
• Provides personal counseling on 1:1 basis
• Collaborate with Restorative Practices team for peer conflict
• Provides targeted small group counseling 
• Provides crisis support with school team
• Promote high school, college & career readiness 
• Assists students in scheduling matters

Our counselors cycle through with our students until they promote to high school.

Meet Our Team!

Class of 2025 Counselor: Mr. Steven McDaniel

 BA: University of California San Diego
 MA: Brandman University, School Counseling
 Hometown: Indio, CA
 E-mail: mcdaniels@sfusd.edu
 

Class of 2026 Counselor: Mr. Joaquin Jang

BA: The George Washington University, Asian Studies
MA: University of San Francisco, Counseling Psychology
Hometown: Bodega, CA 
E-mail: jangj1@sfusd.edu

Class of 2027 Counselor: Ms. Karen Kruger

BA: College of William & Mary, Psychology 
MS: San Francisco State University, Counseling
MPH: The George Washington University, Public Health
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
E-mail: krugerk1@sfusd.edu

Dean: Mr. Jonah Backstrom

BS: University of Massachusetts 
MS: San Francisco State University, Counseling 
Hometown: Boston, MA
E-mail: backstromj@sfusd.edu

Counseling Office Main Line (415) 759-2773

Please leave a voicemail if no one answers the phone and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. For urgent matters, please contact the main office at 415-759-2770.