Meet the Counselors
Jennifer Gabaldon - 7th Grade Counselor
Originally from Byron, Illinois, I have lived in Arizona since 1995. I graduated from Arizona State University (go Sun Devils!) with a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Minor in Communication. It was during my internship as a school social worker that I discovered my passion for education. I worked part-time at a transitional facility for youth at risk and worked full-time as a legal secretary at a small law firm in Phoenix.
After 16 years, I decided it was finally time to pursue my dream. I went back to school and graduated from Ottawa University with a Masters in Education in School Counseling. I interned at a K-8 school in the Deer Valley Unified School District and I am beyond excited to be a part of the Hillcrest team! I am a member of the Arizona School Counseling Association and the PTSO at my children's school.
In my spare time, I love to read a good book, go hiking in the mountains with my husband and kids, and explore northern Arizona.
Renea Herold- 8th Grade Counselor
I grew up in Littleton, Colorado and yes, I am a Broncos fan (unless the Cardinals are in the Super Bowl). I moved to Phoenix when I was 17 and finished high school at Shadow Mountain.
I graduated from ASU with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies. From there, I taught at the middle school level for 8 years and during that time I obtained my Masters Degree in Education from ASU. I love learning and growing, so I continued my education and received my counseling endorsement from Ottowa University and my Administrative Certification from the University of Phoenix. I have been working for Deer Valley School district for over 20 years. For 8 years, I was a Social Studies teacher and the Department Chair at my school. After 8 years of teaching I became a school counselor. In the spring of 2011 I was chosen as one of the Deer Valley Teachers of the year. I also work as an Adjunct Professor at Rio Salado College working with future educators who would like to work with middle and high school students.
On a personal note, I have three children who I adore and three rescue dogs (Rogue, Rocket and Hero). I love to go to the movies, spending time with my family and friends, and going on vacations (Cruises are my favorite). I also enjoy coaching Spriritline at Hillcrest.
I have spent my entire career working with middle school students and am very happy to serve the Hillcrest Middle School community.
My name is Jen St. Clair and I am the 504 coordinator for Hillcrest Middle School. I am at Hillcrest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday. I also work outside of the district as a therapist, mostly working with kids and teens. This is my first year at Hillcrest and I am looking forward to helping students be the best they can be! I can be reached by phone at 623-376-3317 or by email at Jennifer.Stclair@dvusd.org. Some fun facts about me: I am a HUGE Star Wars fan! I am especially fond of Grogu (aka Baby Yoda). I love to write, read, watch movies and spend time with my three very sassy cats Twister, Talia and Truffle. I have been married for 30 years to my high school sweetheart and I have two adult children. I am also a Kansas City and Cardinals football fan.