From Panorama City to Glendale High School, Mrs. Zulma Cristobal has always followed her passion for helping students. As the newest counselor at GHS, she brings not only her experience, but also her heart for guiding students academically, socially and emotionally. 

Mrs. Cristobal’s path to counseling started early. Growing up as the oldest sibling and the oldest among her cousins, she was always caring for younger children, which inspired her to pursue a career in education. She attended Daniel Pearl Magnet High School in Van Nuys and began her college journey at Los Angeles Mission College. She eventually transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

While in school, Mrs. Cristobal gained valuable experience by working as a teacher assistant, a special education aide, and later as a behavior therapist for children with autism. She also babysat and worked one-on-one with students, experiences that shaped her ability to support young people in different ways. 

Mrs. Cristobal’s connection to Glendale has been strong for years. She worked as a behavior therapist for the Glendale Unified School District and completed her internship at GHS during her master’s program. 

Coming back as a counselor felt natural. “I have always felt connected to this community,” she shared. “Knowing the area, the culture, and the families made me feel right at home.” 

Now at GHS, Mrs. Cristobal helps students stay on track for graduation by reviewing transcripts, offering credit recovery options and guiding class choices. She also connects students socially through peer tutors and supports them emotionally by providing a safe place to talk. “My office is always open,” she said, making sure that students know they are never alone. 

Although being new comes with challenges, such as managing over 500 students on her caseload, Mrs. Cristobal sees each day as an opportunity. Meeting new students, connecting with families and working with supportive colleagues makes her role both exciting and meaningful. 

Looking ahead, Mrs. Cristobal is eager to grow at GHS and continue helping students reach their full potential. With her dedication and care, she is sure to leave a lasting impact on our school community.