As Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month this month, the Counseling Department is making it crystal clear – student success does not happen alone; it is the result of a coordinated, campus-wide effort designed to support students academically, personally, and professionally.
At PVCC, counseling is not a standalone service. Instead, it functions as a central hub within a broader network of student support resources. Counselors regularly collaborate with departments across campus to ensure students receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.
“Students rarely experience challenges in just one area of their lives,” said PVCC Counselor Ben Nelson. “Academic pressure, career uncertainty, financial stress, and personal concerns are often interconnected. Our role is to listen, support, and connect students with the right resources so they can move forward with confidence.”
A Connected Network of Support
When students meet with a counselor, conversations may run through an array of topics including career goals, stress management, work-life balance, or life transitions. From there, counselors can guide students to additional campus services that complement the support they receive in counseling.
One of the primary partners is Career Services, located in the KSC Building. Career Services works closely with counseling to help students explore career pathways aligned with their interests, skills, and values. Services include career development, Field of Interest events (industry career panels, job fairs), internship and workplace education opportunities, and connections with community industry partners (part-time jobs, service learning projects and volunteering). Students can receive assistance with resume building, interview preparation, and professional networking..
Judy DuSell, Career Services Supervisor, shared, “Our collaboration with Counseling ensures students receive support to navigate their career journey with industry resources that promotes employment readiness.” For students preparing to enter the workforce, counselors can make referrals to the Puma Empowerment Center, powered by Dress for Success Arizona, located on campus. This partnership provides professional attire for interviews and new hires, in addition to career coaching, workshops on résumé writing and interview skills, and guidance on job placement.
“At the Puma Empowerment Center, we see how access to the right resources can transform a student’s perspective,” said Student Services Manager Sheena Mata, who oversees the center. “It boosts their confidence, gives them a sense of readiness, and empowers them to pursue their goals. First impressions are important, but the confidence behind those first encounters matters even more. We’re proud to help students feel and present their best.”
The collaboration represents a unique partnership within the Maricopa County Community College District and expands access to critical career-readiness resources for PVCC students.
Basic needs support is another vital piece of the student success ecosystem. Students experiencing food insecurity may be connected to the Puma Food Pantry, which offers non-perishable food items and essential supplies to help students remain focused on their educational goals. The campus also offers discreet options such as the Little Free Pantry, along with monthly Community Food Distributions. By working together, counseling and student support services help reduce barriers that can interfere with academic progress.
Communication That Makes a Difference
What makes PVCC’s approach distinctive is the consistent communication among departments. Counselors, Career Services staff, student life professionals, and basic needs support teams regularly collaborate to ensure students are not navigating challenges alone. Referrals are intentional and informed, with a shared understanding that each department plays a role in helping students thrive.
This interconnected model ensures students have viable options at every stage of their college journey, whether they need help clarifying a major, preparing for a career, managing stress, securing food assistance, or building professional confidence.
“Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where students feel seen, supported, and empowered,” said Cynthia Diefert, who chairs PVCC’s Success by Design committee. The committee, comprised of faculty and student affairs professionals, works collaboratively to identify and promote strategies and support resources grounded in Universal Design for Learning and other best practices that strengthen student success, persistence, and retention.
Students interested in learning more about counseling or campus support services can visit the Counseling Center in the KSC Building, call 602-787-6540, or explore resources on our website.