Meet the Counselors

  • Happy Graduates

    Counseling Office: 520-616-5456
    Counseling Fax: 520-616-3000 

    Be sure to visit the MHS College and Career Center 

    Ann Greene - Email
    Counseling Secretary 

    Course Description Book

    For a digital copy of Marana HS comprehensive Course Description Book, please call the Counseling Office at 520-616-5456.

Counsel Caseload: Alphabetical

ADDITIONAL STAFF:

  • Sean RoebuckSean Roebuck, Interventionist

    • Attendance issues
    • Behavioral issues
    • Academic issues

Meet the Counselors

  • Gretchen Mazaheri Gretchen Mazaheri - Email
    Alpha A,C-E; McKinney Vento/Youth On Their Own, Discipline Support Check in--Check Out, PTO Liaison/Help Closet 

    I am excited to become part of the Marana Team. I moved to Casa Grande 7 years ago with my daughter to enjoy living near my parents. I obtained my Master’s in School Guidance in 2013. I am interested in improving the college graduation rate and encouraging our youth to give back to their communities.


    Evan ProfferEvan Proffer - email
    Alpha B: Groups (Chair), State Testing (Member), PBIS Tier II/III

    I’ve been working directly with at-risk youth for the better part of a decade and I specialize in drug prevention strategies and intervention methods at the high school level, which includes the facilitation of the ATS (Alternative to Suspension) program here at Marana High. I am excited to be joining the counseling team as an academic advisor during the school day and pursuing a Masters in Social Work in the evening. On a personal note, I’m an avid fan of live theater and I spend a bit too much of my free time playing DnD with the math teachers.​


    Shaun LaraShaun Lara - email
    Alpha F-J: Athletic Signing Day (Member) Groups (Member) and Tier II/III (Group Member

    I am very happy to be back at Marana High School and to be a part of all the amazing things that go on here. I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and grew up in the Marana Unified School District. This is my 10th year working and coaching for MUSD and have loved every minute of it. I am happily married and enjoy spending time with friends. My hobbies include fishing, watching sports and anything outdoors. I enjoy being a part of the positive development of our students and I’m proud to be a Marana Tiger!


    Melissa GolliharMelissa Gollihar - email
    Alpha K, L, &M: Support Group Facilitator, Course Selection, Elective Fair, Coordinate 8th Grade Visits  

    I was born in Kearny, Arizona.  I moved to Mesa in the 9th grade and graduated from Mountain View High School in Mesa.  I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology.  I became an Academic Advisor for the University of Phoenix and earned my Masters in Educational Counseling. I earned my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership through Grand Canyon University. I have been a high school counselor for 20 plus years and absolutely love my career working with teenagers! I have two amazing daughters and two adorable rescue dogs. I moved to Tucson last year and I love being a part of the Marana counseling team!


    David Catalano David Catalano - Email
    Alpha N-R, &T Dual Enrollment/Pima Testing, Support Groups, Discipline Support Check in -Check Out 

    I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, a CDO High School Alumni, and graduate from the University of Arizona. I graduated with my B.S. in Business Management from San Jose State University and my MA in Mental Health Counseling from UofA. I worked in mental health for several years before coming to MHS. I came to be a School Counselor because of my passion in helping our younger generation develop values, principles, and supports in being successful in all areas of their life.


    Amy DeShazoAmy DeShazo - Email
    Alpha S & U-Z; Enrollment AP Coordinator, Support Groups, Fine Arts Seal Liaison 

    I was born in Seoul, South Korea. My father served in the US Army so I moved frequently in my early childhood. After my father retired from service we relocated to Tucson, Arizona. I attended Santa Rita High School and continued my education at the University of Arizona where I received my BA in Psychology. In my senior year at the University of Arizona, I worked as a Behavioral Health Paraprofessional at Intermountain Centers for Human Development. Here I found my passion working with children and adolescents. I decided to pursue a career in school counseling and received my M.Ed. in Human Development Counseling at Vanderbilt University. I am excited to join the Marana High School Counseling team and looking forward to meeting our wonderful students and their families.


    Megan LeonMegan Leon - Email  

    CTE Liaison, Career Exploration & Services, Internships

    I am a born and raised Tucsonan, a Marana High School Alumni, and a proud graduate of the University of Arizona.  I graduated from the UofA in 2014 with a B.S. in Family Studies and Human Development and again in 2017 with an MA in Counseling.  I’m an avid sports fan, mostly football, and spend a lot of time attending sporting events.  I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends on the weekends.

College and Career Lead Teachers:

  • Dr. Merri Kae Vanderploeg Bryan Pisetsky  Bryan Pisetsky and Dr. Merri Kae Vanderploeg

    Dr. Merri Kae Vanderploeg - Email 
    Future Friday, Signing Day - Lead, Honors Conclave-Lead, ASVAB/Military Recruitment, 8th Grade/Tiger Night Liaison

    Bryan Pisetsky - Email 
    FAFSA & Scholarships, Athletic Signing Day, NCAA & NAIA Liaison, AP Co-Coordinator, Honors Conclave Support, PSAT & ACT Coordinator