Social & Cognitive Learning Center

Noriko Abenojar, M.S.W., P.P.S. has been serving children and adults with developmental, behavioral, and mental health challenges since 1995. She holds a Masters of Social Work degree, with an emphasis in children, youths, and families. She also has a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential in School Social Work. Noriko’s passion for human service began as a first year undergraduate student at UC Davis when she started working at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. For the next five years, she continued to facilitate in program planning, daily living skills, recreational activities, and collaboration with school, work, and other professionals at the group home. She also worked in a vocational rehabilitation program in Sacramento as a program counselor, prior to relocating to San Diego to begin her graduate work. During her time at San Diego State University, Noriko gained experience running group and individual therapy sessions at an adolescent/adult mental health program. Some of the topics covered in group sessions included anxiety, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and mental illness), self-esteem, relationship building, and depression.