Karla Garcia

Karla García is a dedicated educator and academic success counselor with over two decades of experience supporting students at every level of education. Beginning her career in early childhood education in 1997, she has since become a certified professional school counselor and has worked extensively with high school and college students. Karla is passionate about college access, student mental health, and advocating for undocumented, DACA, and immigrant students, striving to create equitable educational opportunities for all.

Currently, Karla serves as an Academic Success Counselor and Adjunct Faculty at Pima Community College, where she helps students navigate their academic and personal growth. Her prior roles include school counselor, college and career readiness coordinator, and regional college access center coordinator, experiences that have honed her skills in goal-setting, problem-solving, and solution-oriented planning.

Beyond her professional work, Karla is committed to lifelong learning and professional development. She holds a Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts in English-Writing from Colorado Mesa University. Known for her ability to prioritize, plan, and support students and colleagues alike, Karla wakes up every day excited to learn something new and to help students achieve their goals.

• Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Certified Trainer
• Certified Appreciative Advisor
• Teacher Of English
• EdX Verified Certificate for Bridging Differences
• Mental Health First Aid for Older Persons Instructor
• The Science of Well-Being
• Youth Mental Health First Aid for Tribal Communities and Indigenous Persons Instructor
• Guidance Counselor PreK-12
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor

• Colorado Mesa University- B.A.
• University of Arizona- M.Ed.