Tello takes over as high school academic advisor 

After working on campus for five years, academic advisor Michelle Warkentin has transferred to Clovis Community College where she serves as an academic counselor. Evangelina Tello has filled Warkentin’s position of high school academic counselor.

“Although leaving Fresno Christian was difficult, knowing that I have left my position in the hands of Ms. Tello has made the transition considerably easier,” Warkentin said. “My mind is at ease knowing that the students will be well taken care of and assisted throughout the college and career planning process. It was my pleasure to train Ms. Tello on the responsibilities as academic advisor and I have no doubt that she will do a wonderful job in this role. She is hardworking, a quick learner, and up for a challenge. I look forward to hearing about the great things that Ms. Tello will contribute to Fresno Christian.”

With a passion for making connections, establishing herself in the community and mentoring students, Tello begins her first week as FC’s new academic counselor, Oct. 27.

First generation college graduate, Tello graduated from Fresno Pacific University and hails from Fresno with a Master of Arts in school counseling.

“My high school counselor was a huge advocate for not only for me but my parents as well,” Tello said. “Not only was I the first in my family to go to college, but I was the first in my family to graduate from high school.”

The community atmosphere on campus persuaded Tello to apply for the job. She also appreciated the Christian atmosphere found on campus and hopes she will be able to invest in it as well.

“I heard about the position through FPU,” Tello said. “I immediately contacted the school for an interview. School counseling is my passion but it was the feedback from other FC graduates that helped make my decision to apply easy. I love the small community setting, family values and Christian-based atmosphere at Fresno Christian. Everyone is so welcoming.”

Born and raised in Fresno as well as a Clovis West graduate, Tello earned her Bachelor of Arts at FPU and her master’s degree in school counseling with a PPS credential, May 2017. She has spent the last two weeks with Warkentin learning her role, expectations and how to connect with the FC community.

“Michelle answered a million of my questions,” Tello said. “She taught me PowerSchool, shared her duties and passion for academic advising, helped me through all the professional, spiritual and emotional part of starting a job. She is my mentor and friend and very professional. Michelle helped me feel comfortable and supported me throughout the transition. I am very grateful.”

After two weeks of learning the ropes and settling into her new position, Tello says she is ready to take on the responsibilities as the new academic advisor.

“I also had a great graduate adviser at FPU and learned a lot from my internship at Clovis Unified,” Tello said. “They equipped me with the tools and resources to be an academic adviser and counselor both in and out of the classroom.

“I am looking forward to making connections with Fresno Christian students, parents and getting involved with the community,” Tello continued. “I am excited to help make a difference in a child’s life, be a resource and approachable to those I build relationships with on campus.”

McKenzie Neal, ‘18, went to Tello to talk to her about applying to colleges and what to do to improve it, and now has earned the trust of her family.

“Ms. Tello is so sweet and very helpful,” Neal said. “She has helped a lot with my college applications and anything about college. She has a lot of background experience which makes me and my family trust her and how she works a lot more.”

In her free time, Tello enjoys trying out new restaurants, making trips to the beach, attending local plays and musicals and spending time with friends and family.

“When I’m not in my office I love to hit the beach,” Tello said. “My family and I are obsessed with the bread bowls from Pismo’s Splash Cafe. I love how relaxed Pismo is and I enjoy looking through their little shops and making new memories with family and friends. When I’m feeling a bit adventurous, I enjoy making a trip to either Disneyland or Six Flags. I enjoy the thrill and adrenaline that rollercoasters give but I’m not a big fan of the long lines.”

Today, however, Tello is committed to working with seniors as they begin their application process and November is the month to get started. She is also available for other students who have questions about college or their classes. Tello can be reached via her school email ([email protected]) or in her office in Building 6.

For more articles, check out Michelle Warkentin prepares to part ways with campus. For another article, read Evening in French Polynesia luau provides cultural entertainment.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @Reese_Brownie and via email: Reese Brown.