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About the Counselors

Here are your GMS Counselors and Social Worker

Heather Polk - Students with last names A-L

I was born and raised in a small farm town, in the middle of Wisconsin. I went to The University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. I taught PE, Health, and coached softball, volleyball, and basketball for about 10 years. I then went to The University of Redlands to obtain my Master's Degree in School Counseling and I have been a school counselor for almost 20 years! My hobbies include bike riding, working out, hanging out with friends, and teaching indoor spin classes. 

Ms. Polk is the counselor for most students whose last name starts with A - L. 

For any questions or concerns, please email me at hpolk@tvusd.us.

Erin Nelson - Students with last names M-Z

I am a native Southern Californian, born and raised in Ventura County.  I then traveled down to San Diego to attend UC San Diego where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  I went on to the University of San Diego for a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and PPS Credential to be a School Counselor.  I had the privilege of being hired by TVUSD in 2003 to open up Gardner Middle School! I have loved being a Grizzly for the past 20 years, watching us evolve and grow together while serving our wonderful community.  I am passionate about helping students navigate through the ups and downs of middle school. When I am not at Gardner, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children in the small community where we live within San Marcos.  We enjoy riding bikes, walking into town for pizza and ice cream, playing in our backyard, and watching movies. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, reading, and watching my kids play sports.

Mrs. Nelson is the counselor for most students whose last name starts with M - Z. 

For any questions or concerns, email me at enelson@tvusd.us.

Kim De La Cruz - LCAP counselor

Greetings!  I was born and raised in a small town in Washington state.  I attended San Diego State University and earned a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies.  I also earned my teaching credential with an emphasis on reading at San Diego State.  I have taught 3rd grade, 4th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 6th-8th grade English Language Development.  I have been at Gardner Middle School since it opened in 2003.  I am a Grizzly at heart!  I went to Azusa Pacific University and obtained my Master's Degree In School Counseling in 2009 and joined the GMS Counseling Department in 2019.  My hobbies include hiking, working out, going to the beach, and laughing with good friends.    

Mrs. De La Cruz is the LCAP counselor.

For any questions or concerns, email me at kdelacruz@tvusd.us

Amanda Nickles-Social Worker

Hello Grizzlies and Families!

I am Mrs. Nickles, your GMS school social worker. I am here to provide extra social emotional support to students, staff, and families. If you are interested in social work services please reach out to your counselor first. If you have general questions about mental health or need resources, please send me an email at at anickles@tvusd.us.

A little bit about me. I grew up in Alabama, hence my Southern accent. I am also an Air Force wife and have lived in England and all over the US.  I previously worked in education teaching middle and high school ELA and reading intervention. I have recently pivoted into a career in social work. I hold a Master’s degree in Social work and have my Associate Clinical Social Work license. I practice from a strengths based perspective and pride myself in being a judgement free safe person for students as well as families.