Counselor's Corner

Contact Information

Phone: (310) 798-8626 ext. 1358

Email: [email protected]

Days at Birney: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

About Me

My name is Joshua Baysa (preferred name Josh), and I am excited to get to know all of you at Birney! I was born and raised in Hawaii to immigrant parents from the Philippines, and I am a first generation college student. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from UCLA and my Master’s in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from USC. During that time, I first worked as a fifth grade teaching assistant in the Westwood area and later interned in the Beverly Hills Unified School District. Outside of my professional aspirations, I have spent my time volunteering as a dance director for Foundations Choreography in the UCLA area.

Students spend a large portion of their day at school, and I believe that it is the school counselor’s role to support them in making that time valuable and enjoyable for them. A big part of that is through the social and emotional piece, and that is where I like to focus my time and energy. Utilizing a solution focused brief therapy and person centered approach, my goal is to support student emotional well being. When this piece is taken care of, the academic and college and career readiness will follow suit. To do this work, I believe in effective communication and collaboration with administration, teachers, parents, and other staff in the school setting. When that culture and working environment is present, it will benefit everyone in the community.

Click HERE to access our emotional safety net. Parents/guardians, please review this plan or safety net with your child. A safety net provides a space where we can rely on something or someone to cushion the impact of hardship. This allows us to handle our emotions appropriately with support from loved ones, friends and professionals.

Comprehensive School Counseling Program

At Birney Elementary, our School Counselor provides a comprehensive counseling program to promote your child's social-emotional development and support the development of mindsets and behaviors necessary for postsecondary success. Students have faced unprecedented challenges over the past several years, and the counseling program aims to make them feel welcome, respected and supported. As part of a comprehensive school counseling program that improves student achievement and promotes student development, the Counselor combines individual counseling, small group counseling, Lunch Bunch activities, school-wide programs, and consultations and collaborations that follow a partnership between schools, families, and communities.

Click HERE to access the Caregiver Referral Form.

Mission Statement

Birney Elementary offers a multicultural community of lifelong learners who value flexible thinking, collaborative problem solving, and creativity. Together we respectfully value each other and our unique contributions. We teach, practice, and promote tolerance by embracing diversity for all. Each of us demonstrates integrity, honesty, and accountability. We are global citizens preparing for the world of tomorrow.