With over two decades of experience in education, counseling, and leadership, Sladjana Rakich is dedicated to fostering educational excellence and student access. Currently, she serves as an associate professor at National University, where she leads the Los Angeles regional program for school counseling. Her work involves teaching, program development, and research, with a focus on culturally responsive practices. Previously, she has held key positions such as assistant principal at the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she guided instructional and guidance practices to meet the diverse needs of students. Her academic journey includes roles at Soka University and Claremont Graduate University, contributing to her rich experience in educational psychology and assessments. She is a published author and a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, where she shares insights on school counseling, educational equity, and leadership. Her research interests include teacher effectiveness, program evaluation, and culturally responsive teaching.