Welcome to The Counselor's Desk

At Fusion Charter, we understand the importance of nurturing not just academic success but also the overall well-being of our students. The Counselor's Desk is a dedicated space where our School Counselor, Mark Evanoff, provides valuable information, guidance/advice, and resources to support students in their journey towards wellness, mental health, and good health.

Meet Mark Evanoff, School Counselor & Community School Coordinator

Hello, I'm Mark Evanoff, the School Counselor, Homeless and Foster Youth Liaison, and Community School Coordinator at Fusion Charter in Turlock, CA. I'm a licensed and experienced school counselor with a deep commitment to helping students navigate the academic, social, and emotional challenges that can make school feel impossible. My work sits at the intersection of mental health, community partnership, and practical skill-building, and I believe strongly that every student who walks through our door deserves a real chance to succeed.

Since joining Fusion in 2016, I've worked to build a school environment where students feel safe enough to grow. As a trauma-informed practitioner, I've helped lead a school-wide approach that treats behavior as communication and relationship as the foundation of everything else. Working alongside my faithful canine assistant Pablo, I support our 7th through 12th grade students in developing the coping, communication, and self-regulation skills they need to thrive, not just in school, but in life.

In my role as Community School Coordinator, I work alongside Principal David Ashby and our team to grow Fusion into a true hub for students, families, and community partners. This includes our participation in the Community Engagement Initiative, which brings community voices and resources into our school in meaningful ways, and our affiliation with the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, which expands access to behavioral health support directly on campus. We are also implementing a structured skills-based curriculum rooted in evidence-based practices, giving students practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

At Fusion, we are not just focused on graduation. We are focused on direction, confidence, and building lives worth living.

Explore The Counselor's Desk:

Information Hub

Information Hub provides valuable insights on topics that promote mental health, emotional well-being, and overall good health. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this resource will guide you toward building healthy habits, managing stress, and fostering resilience.

Resource Guide

Resource Guide is your gateway to an array of local services designed to support students and their families. Whether your home environment is secure or facing challenges, valuable and informative resources to help you navigate various aspects of social, and personal well-being can be found here.

Mental Health Matters

This collection features carefully selected videos that have deeply influenced Fusion Charter's approach to mental health and counseling. Each video provides insights into key concepts and practices that resonate with our school's trauma-informed philosophy. As your counselor, these videos reflect the values and strategies I use to support our students' well-being and growth. Explore these resources to gain a better understanding of our commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and resilient school community.

Advice and Guidance

Have a question or need personalized guidance? Send me an email or come see me on campus. I will do my best to provide thoughtful advice and steps or collaborate with other professionals to assist you further.

Your well-being matters, and we're all here to help you every step of the way!

NEED CRISIS SUPPORT?
If you need someone to talk to during these difficult times,

make a call or send a text to:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8225
Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741741
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText: Text Start to 678678

Meet Pablo

Emotional Support Dog

Pablo's Story

On December 5, 2019, a day that happened to be my birthday, something truly special unfolded at Fusion Charter. A 1-year-old Australian Shepherd wandered onto our campus, bringing with him a warmth and friendliness that seemed almost magical. His arrival was unexpected, but it felt as though he had been sent to us for a reason.

In the midst of celebrating my birthday, I was drawn to this gentle dog, and while I took steps to ensure his safety and find his rightful owner, it soon became clear that Pablo was, in fact, the one offering us all something precious. After a few days of navigating the adoption process, the Turlock Animal Shelter gave the green light for me to bring Pablo home.

From the moment Pablo set paw on our campus, he made himself at home. His presence had an immediate and profound impact. He quickly became a beloved member of our school community, known for his remarkable ability to sense and soothe emotions. Whether it was calming a stressed student or easing the worries of a staff member, Pablo had a way of providing comfort that was both gentle and profound.

Pablo’s warm, calming demeanor and his natural ability to bring smiles to our faces have made him more than just a pet; he’s become our cherished Emotional Support Animal.

He visits Fusion Charter two to three times a week, offering his unwavering support and spreading joy wherever he goes. His love for playing catch adds an extra layer of happiness to his visits, making him a perfect addition to our school.

Pablo’s story is a reminder of how unexpected gifts can change our lives in the most beautiful ways. He embodies the spirit of kindness and compassion that we hold dear at Fusion Charter,and we are grateful every day for the comfort and joy he brings to our community.

~ Mark Evanoff ~