Janis Pizer started her counseling career later in life. Having earned a master's degree from Loyola Marymount University in the 1980s, her goal was to become an elementary school counselor. But that career path shifted, and she began working in the private sector for business and non-profits.

After enrolling in a Career Specialist Certificate Program at California State University, Long Beach, Pizer discovered a direction and a confidence she never knew. Career counseling opened her heart and her mind; and her previous life and work experiences brought an added perspective that she uses to this day with her students.

Pizer began as a career counselor at Cerritos College in 1994. One of her mentors was Maureen May, Re-Entry Resource Specialist. Through that association, the opportunity to counsel adult students returning to school after a gap in their education, develop and present workshops, and write publicity pieces to showcase the Re-Entry Resource Program, Pizer was prepared for her work with the CalWORKs Program.

In her more than 15 years as a CalWORKs counselor, Pizer learned that "one size does not fit all." That is why she developed workshops to prepare students for work-study positions and unsubsidized employment, wrote a resume writing booklet, and helped to define the program's mission. Pizer believes that CalWORKS offers her the opportunity to help students manage government bureaucracy while pursuing a college education.

Students are her highest priority, and this is reflected in the strong and positive bonds she establishes with students. Many of her students have kept in touch with her after they have left Cerritos College.

Pizer's success as a counselor can be attributed to her success as a person. Through her own life experiences, she can relate and empathize with her students as they struggle with personal and academic challenges in order to achieve self-sufficiency.

She demonstrates "above-and-beyond" commitment when working with students. Indeed, her dedication and passion to student success exemplifies excellence.