Meet Your Counselors
Counselor A-E
Seth Geffner
sgeffner@srcs.k12.ca.us
Introduction Video
Seth Geffner is from Southern California and a proud supporter of the LA Kings and LA Dodgers (we don’t hold it against him). He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1996 and then attended graduate schools at the University of Michigan and Sonoma State University where he earned his Master’s in Counseling. Seth is married to a special education elementary school teacher in Santa Rosa City Schools and they have two children. Their son and daughter attend SRHS. Seth has been a School Counselor at SRHS since 2003.
Counselor F-L
Marlene Nemoede
mnemoede@srcs.k12.ca.us
Introduction Video
Marlene Nemoede was raised in Madrid, Spain. She relocated to Sonoma County where she earned her Bilingual Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. She then moved to San Francisco, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a PPS Credential from the University of San Francisco. Now, she’s back in Sonoma County and has been working for Santa Rosa City Schools for more than 20 years.
Counselor M-Ri
Heidi Pedrazzetti
With over 20 years of experience in student services in schools and colleges in Sonoma County, I am excited to join the Santa Rosa High School Panther team this year. My work has always been rooted in a deep commitment to empowering students on their educational journey and supporting them as they discover their unique strengths, build skills and formulate plans to inform their future choices. I believe strongly in partnering with families and creating collaborative relationships that foster student success. Outside of school, I enjoy swimming, picking flowers, and spending time outdoors—activities that keep me grounded and inspired.
Counselor Ro-Z
Urjita Parekh
uparekh@srcs.k12.ca.us
Introduction Video
Urjita Parekh (Jita) has been part of the SRHS Counseling Team for the past seven years as a school-based therapist and now, as a school counselor. Jita earned her Bachelor’s degree from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, and her Master of Arts in Counseling from Sonoma State University. Jita has also worked in higher education at both Oregon State University and Sonoma State. Her favorite thing is to spend time with her 2 kids, both who attended SRHS.
Middle School (All Students)
Dave McCamish
MTSS Counselor
Adam Derum
Adam was born and raised in Santa Rosa and is a graduate of the Class of 2000 at Elsie Allen High School. Immediately after high school, Adam served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. During that time Adam visited 12 countries and circumnavigated the globe twice! After the Marines, Adam earned his BA in Sociology, a teaching credential in Social Studies, and as his MA in Counseling, all from Sonoma State. When not supporting his students at SRHS, you can find Adam on the golf course, watching the SF Giants/49ers, adventuring with his dog Bochy, or playing video games with his cat Maxwell on his lap. Adam is passionate about post-high school planning and helping students realize their potential path, whether it be college or vocational success.
College and Career Counselor
Tracy Batchelder
tbatchelder@srcs.k12.ca.us
Appointments
Introduction Video
Tracy is originally from Santa Barbara, CA and has lived in Sonoma County since 2005. She has a B.A. in Political Science from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Duke University, and recently graduated with her Master’s in School Counseling from Sonoma State University. She spent several years working in environmental conservation on the east coast and in Costa Rica and also lived in Mexico for five years while raising a family. She has three children, one of which graduated from SRHS in 2016. She enjoys working with high school students and helping them to define and pursue their educational and career paths.
School Based Therapist
CEP Counselor
Arata, Forest
Forest Arata grew up in Petaluma and has lived there most of her life. After graduating high school from Petaluma High School she went to Santa Rosa Junior College and then transferred to Sonoma State University where she earned her BA in Psychology. Afterwards she continued to work toward her Masters (MA) in Psychology, her School Counseling Credential (PPS) and her Marriage and Family Therapy License (MFT). Supporting students who are having a difficult time is her specialty. She has worked as a counselor for different Santa Rosa high schools for the last 18 years. She is married to her husband of 30 years and has two adult daughters who attend SRJC. She loves to foster puppies, garden and travel when she can.