• Mrs. Mandy Updegraff-Bell

    A-C

    (619) 441-6186

    updegraffa@cajonvalley.net

    Hello! My name is Mandy Updegraff-Bell and this is my 6th year as a counselor at Hillsdale and 8th year as a school counselor in the district. I have a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and went to college at the University of Indianapolis, where I played basketball and tennis. I spent 10 years working as a high school counselor in East Los Angeles before moving to San Diego. My husband and I have a blended family and an endless amount of chaos with my 17 year old step daughter, and 10 and 5 year old daughters. In my spare time, I like interior decorating, although you wouldn’t be able to tell that by the state of my office. 

  • Mrs. Haley Bareno

    K-Q

    (619) 441-6186

    barenoh@cajonvalley.net

    Hi! My name is Haley Bareno and I am excited to continue working for the Hillsdale Counseling team this year. I am a 5th generation San Diego Native; I love this city so much!! I attended San Diego State University for undergrad and got my Masters & PPS Credential from Point Loma Nazarene University. Fun Fact: in between those two degrees, I attended culinary school and was a pastry chef for 5 years. I loved working in the kitchen and getting to be creative, but was drawn to a career in school counseling through coaching high school girls volleyball. There is nothing better than building relationships with students!! In my free time I enjoy hiking, traveling, playing volleyball, cooking, watching SDSU Basketball (Go Aztecs!) and cuddling on the couch with my two puppies, Felicity & Duke Silver. I look forward to working with all the students at Hillsdale!! 

  • Mr. Daniel Shea
    D-J

    (619) 441-6186

    shead@cajonvalley.net

    My name is Daniel Shea. I love being a School Counselor here at Hillsdale. Previously, I taught at Dehesa School and Montgomery Middle. I went to San Diego State and have worked with wonderful agencies like San Diego Youth Services and Father Joes Villages. A little about me: I am a father of two, I have a dog named Gizmo, I am a San Diego native, I love teaching music, I enjoy watching football, gardening, and photography. Please reach out and let me know how I can support you. 

  • Mrs. Kara Smith

    R-Z

    (619) 441-6186

    smithk@cajonvalley.net

    Hello! I’m Kara Smith and this is my 11th year working as a school counselor at Hillsdale. I love working in the community I grew up in and alongside some teachers that I had when I was a student at Hillsdale. I attended CSU Long Beach for undergrad & got my Master’s and PPS Credential at National University. Before becoming a school counselor, I competed in & coached track & field. I’ve done almost every event, but my specialty was the pole vault. While competing in college, the work I did with my own sports psychologist led me toward my passion for counseling & education! I love my job as a school counselor, but when I’m not working I spend pretty much all of my free time with my husband and our two boys, Hendrix and Harlan. My personal interests & best form of self-care, include anything to do with the beach. I like to surf, swim, skateboard, and go camping. I also enjoy puzzles, board games, and crafting

  • Mr. John Chapman

    (619) 441-6186

    chapmaniiij@cajonvalley.net

    Hi! My name is John Chapman and I am excited to be joining our wonderful counseling team here at Hillsdale Middle School. I grew up in this community, and am a former student here at HMS. I attended San Diego State University for my undergraduate degree where I majored in English. I originally wanted to become an English teacher but had a change of heart and went into counseling during the pandemic. I received my Master’s in Counseling and PPS credential from the University of San Diego. In my free time, I enjoy watching football, movies (my thesis was in cinematherapy), engaging in a multitude of recreational activities, and spending time with the people I love. Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I look forward to meeting you!