Laguna Beach Unified School District Appoints Director Of Social Emotional Support

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — On May 9, the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Michael Keller as director of social emotional support, effective July 1.

Dr. Keller is an experienced district-level administrator, currently serving as director of special education in the Los Alamitos Unified School District. He has served in several administrative roles related to student support services and has experience as both a school counselor and a nationally-certified school psychologist.

Dr. Keller earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Arizona in psychology, a master’s degree in counseling from California State University, Long Beach, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership with an educational psychology focus from the University of Southern California.

“I am honored and excited to be working in the Laguna Beach Unified School District in this important and innovative role to support student social and emotional health and well-being,” said Dr. Keller.

The director of social emotional support is a new position in LBUSD. Dr. Keller will be responsible for collaboratively identifying district-wide social-emotional needs and developing systems to ensure that students with mental health needs are provided appropriate services and support. He will also provide oversight and support for procedures related to student accommodations.

Keller will also supervise two new Student Support Specialists, who will be site-based mental health clinicians to provide educationally-related mental health services and support to students. The new Specialists will be hired in the next few months.

“We are thrilled Dr. Keller will be joining our team,” said Dr. Alysia Odipo, assistant superintendent of instructional services. “His expertise will help us expand our support for each student and our system of social emotional support for all learners.”

Dr. Keller has demonstrated success in developing systems of student services and support, inclusive of broad-based stakeholder groups.

In his current role, he has facilitated a major shift to a co-teaching inclusive delivery model for students with disabilities. He currently oversees and coordinates mental health services and accommodations programs. Dr. Keller previously served as an adjunct professor at CSU Long Beach and the University of Southern California teaching courses in crisis counseling in schools, positive behavioral assessment and intervention, and learning theory. He is also a licensed educational psychologist.

“Dr. Keller’s experiences make him a perfect fit as we continue to expand our support for all students in the area of social and emotional support. We look forward to having him join our team,” said superintendent Dr. Jason Viloria.

LBUSD Photo