Student Services

See below for a directory of our school’s counselors, Student Services support team, administrative support, Health Office nurses, and more.

Counselors

Vanessa Musso

714.560.0900, ext. 6202

vanessa.musso@ocsarts.net

Middle School Counselor (Grades 7-8)

Ms. Vanessa Musso joined the Orange County School of the Arts in 2003 as an Academic Counselor and Crisis Counselor and currently serves as the Middle School Counselor.

Prior to joining OCSA, Ms. Musso was director of the Teacher Preparation Program and taught psychology at Cypress College. Her career in counseling and education began with Orange County Social Services in 1992 as a child abuse counselor and advocate.

Ms. Musso holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Chapman University and a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. She also serves on the Selective Service for the United States of America and has been a local board member for the past 14 years.

Ashley Talbert

714.560.0900, ext. 6602

ashley.talbert@ocsarts.net

High School Counselor for students with last names A-Ch.

Ms. Ashley Talbert joined the Student Services Department at the Orange County School of the Arts in 2014.

Prior to joining OCSA, Ms.Talbert worked in the Capistrano Unified School District counseling both middle and high school aged students.

As a professional school counselor, Ms.Talbert provides support to students in the areas of college/career guidance, academic advisement, and personal/social counseling. Ms.Talbert is a credentialed school counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from California State University, Long Beach and a Masters of Arts degree in applied psychology from New York University.

Collin Ernste

714.560.0900, ext. 6505

collin.ernste@ocsarts.net

High School Counselor for students with last names Cl-Ho.

Mr. Ernste earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Saint John’s University in Minnesota and his Master of Science in school counseling from Capella University. He also holds a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from the State of California. Previously, Mr. Ernste worked as the first school counselor at a Spanish Immersion School in Minnesota, where he had the opportunity to build the program from the ground up. He has also worked as an Education Case Manager for a Mental Health Facility.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ernste has been passionate about fostering students' personal growth both academically and socially. He finds that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a school counselor is the opportunity to see each student as a whole person and help them recognize their unique strengths and potential. Mr. Ernste enjoys encouraging students to pursue their goals, build confidence, and reach for the stars. He is thrilled to join the OCSA community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to support student success and well-being. Outside of campus, Mr. Ernste enjoys spending time on hiking trails, reading a good book, and experiencing art in its many forms.

Emily Christy

714.560.0900 ext. 6506

emily.christy@ocsarts.net

High School Counselor for students with last names Hs-Le.

Ms. Christy earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from California State University, Fullerton and her Master of Science in school counseling from California State University, Long Beach. She also holds a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential from the State of California. Ms. Christy previously served as a high school counselor for eight years at OCSA's sister campus, California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV), where she provided comprehensive academic, college and career, and social-emotional counseling services to students in grades 9-12.

Before her time at CSArts-SGV, Ms. Christy supported students in OCSA's Special Services Department. As an OCSA alumna, she understands firsthand the unique experience of balancing rigorous academics with intensive arts training and is passionate about supporting students as they navigate their educational journeys. Ms. Christy is especially passionate about developing comprehensive school counseling programs that promote data-driven interventions and positive student outcomes. During her time at CSArts-SGV, she played a key role in the school's counseling program earning the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association in 2025. In Ms. Christy's free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband, son, and goldendoodle.

Paige Acuña

714.560.0900, ext. 3233

paige.acuna@ocsarts.net

High School Counselor for students with last names Li-Pa.

As an Orange County native, Ms. Paige Acuña is very excited to join the OCSA community! Before joining OCSA, Ms. Acuña served as a high school counselor in the Orange Unified School District and worked in special education at Irvine Unified School District. She also has experience working in various programs within the community college system and non-profit organizations. Ms. Acuña received a bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University, Fullerton in 2015 and a master's degree in educational counseling from the University of La Verne in 2019. When Ms. Acuña is not on campus, you can find her enjoying her favorite hobbies including yoga, camping, running, craft making & interior design. She is a proud student advocate and a true lover of the arts!

Sarah Kause

714.560.0900, ext. 6129

sarah.kause@ocsarts.net

High School Counselor for students with last names Pe-Th.

Ms. Sarah Kause comes to OCSA with a wealth of experience. She has held positions as admissions coordinator at Chapman University within Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, high school counselor at a private school, and most recently as school counselor at Encore Jr./Sr. High School for the Arts in the High Desert and Inland Empire.

Ms. Kause received her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona and her master’s degree in educational counseling from National University. Additionally, she holds a California Clear Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in school counseling. Ms. Kause is also part of a nonprofit that helps provide foster youth with post-secondary scholarships. She is excited to join the counseling team at OCSA and looks forward to working with students and parents.

Becky Vance-Freeland

714.560.0900, ext. 6601

rebecca.vance-freeland@ocsarts.net

High School Counselor for students with last names Ti-Z.

Ms. Rebecca Vance-Freeland joined the Orange County School of the Arts in 2014. Prior to joining OCSA, she worked for the City of Long Beach serving as an Academy Specialist and Youth Opportunity Center Coordinator. During her time in Long Beach, Ms. Vance-Freeland played an active role on the Long Beach GRIP Advisory Board, CSULB's CalSOAP Governing Board as well as LA Harbor College's CalWORKS Advisory Board. Ms. Vance-Freeland also previously served as a counselor for the Westminster School District.

Ms. Vance-Freeland holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with an emphasis in group relations and minored in women’s studies from California State University, Long Beach. She also earned her Master of Science degree in education (counseling psychology) from the University of Southern California. Ms. Vance-Freeland holds her Pupil Personnel Services credential.

Registrar

Hui-Shurn Yong

714.560.0900, ext. 6174

hui-shurn.yong@ocsarts.net

Ms. Hui-Shurn Yong manages grades, transcripts, alumni transcripts, student enrollment, student withdrawals, student records and the Aeries database. She manages Cal Grants for seniors, and student/school required documentation and serves as OCSA's CALPADS Administrator.

Student Services Support

Michelle Sanchez

Family Liasion

714.560.0900, ext. 6160

michelle.sanchez@ocsarts.net

Before joining OCSA in 2021, Ms. Michelle Sanchez spent six years working for Irvine Unified School District, serving in various roles including counseling and career. She received her certificate in Human Resources Management from California State University, Long Beach in 2017 while she found her calling in education.

In her current role, Ms. Sanchez supports Student Services with Free and Reduced Lunch Program, OCARD, transcripts, the annual College Fair, senior awards, graduation, and Naviance.

Katrina Dodyk

Administrative Assistant

714.560.0900

katrina.dodyk@ocsarts.net

Ms. Katrina Dodyk helps coordinate "Art Attack," PSAT/PLAN tests, student and staff ID cards, Senior Awards Night, graduation, and scholarships.

Administration Support

Berene Lindbeck

Office Manager

714.560.0900, ext. 6148

berene.lindbeck@ocsarts.net

Ms. Berene Lindbeck is in charge of the Academic Office.

Vanessa Cortez

Conservatory Arts Associate

vanessa.cortez@ocsarts.net

Ms. Vanessa Cortez assists Dr. Maria Lazarova in all conservatory business! She helps organize Preview Days, College Fair, Placement Activities, Career Expo, New Student Orientation and Welcome Week. She also manages conservatory courses and creates the conservatory classroom schedule. Ms. Cortez loves the opportunity to work with every department in the school!

Wendi Capparelli

Administrative Assistant

714.560.0900, ext. 6606

wendi.capparelli@ocsarts.net

Ms. Wendi Caparelli helps to coordinate textbooks and replacement ID cards.

Reception

Lisa Auger

Receptionist - Mornings

714.560.0900, ext. 0003

lisa.auger@ocsarts.net

Ms. Lisa Auger handles student messages and deliveries, security and custodial requests, emergencies and lockers.

Lorinda Zamora

Receptionist - Afternoon

714.560.0900, ext. 0003

lorinda.zamora@ocsarts.net

Ms. Lorinda Zamora handles student messages and deliveries, security and custodial requests, emergencies and lockers.

Attendance

Jeanna Pfieffer

Attendance Office

714.560.0900, ext. 6852

jeanna.pfieffer@ocsarts.net

Ms. Jeanna Pfieffer handles all attendance for the school. Any inquiries about absences, tardiness, and early release due to scheduled appointments should be directed to her.

Brianne Newell

Attendance Office

714.560.0900, ext. 6170

brianne.newell@ocsarts.net

Ms. Brianne Newell handles all attendance for the school. Any inquiries about absences, tardiness, and early release due to scheduled appointments should be directed to her.

Health Office

Laura Lopez

Licensed Vocational Nurse

714.560.0900 ext. 4101

laura.lopez@ocsarts.net

Ms. Laura Lopez oversees day-to-day health office tasks, tending to sick and injured students, handles medical records and elevator passes.

Caitlin Bowman

Registered Nurse

714.560.0900 ext. 5851

caitlin.bowman@ocsarts.net

Ms. Caitlin Bowman oversees day-to-day health office tasks, tending to sick and injured students, handles medical records and elevator passes.