Aykui Damaryan-Nordloff: 'Really helping students be their best version of themselves'

Aykui Damaryan-Nordloff

School Psychologist

Central Coast High School, Community Day School, Digital Academy, Independent Study

Aykui Damaryan-Nordloff, School Psychologist at Central Coast High School, has dedicated her career to supporting Monterey Peninsula Unified School District students as they navigate personal and academic challenges. 

Her journey began at Cal State Northridge, where she discovered her passion for school psychology while volunteering in a kindergarten classroom. From there, she pursued graduate studies at Cal Poly Humboldt and completed an internship in Milpitas before joining MPUSD.

Over the years, Damaryan-Nordloff has brought her expertise to multiple MPUSD schools, from elementary to high school levels. She values working with students of all ages, but she finds special fulfillment in supporting secondary students. 

Damaryan-Nordloff is committed to creating equitable learning environments that meet each student’s unique needs, regardless of their background or personal history. 

"Really helping students be their best version of themselves, providing equitable learning opportunities. We have a very diverse population. Whether that's their learning style or just where they're coming from, their past experiences, trauma...really supporting them, figuring out what the barriers are, helping them know that there are people here for them," said Damaryan-Nordloff.

At Central Coast High, she balances multiple responsibilities, including mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and special education evaluations. She works with students across various sites, including Community Day School and MPUSD’s Digital Academy. 

"I'm actually fortunate to work with some students that are not already on the caseload, providing more preventative, like on a check-in basis," she said.

For students with chronic absenteeism, she has initiated home visits to re-engage families and bring students back into the learning community. Despite the challenges, Damaryan-Nordloff finds immense satisfaction in witnessing students’ progress. For her, the highlight of every year is graduation. 

“Seeing students graduate, knowing all they’ve overcome, brings me so much joy,” she says. “It’s a proud moment for them and their families, and I feel privileged to be part of their journey.”

Beyond her work with students, Damaryan-Nordloff prioritizes family engagement. She encourages parents to reach out anytime, fostering collaboration that helps address students’ needs both in and outside of school. 

Her work is often behind-the-scenes, respecting student confidentiality, yet every day she is driven by the belief that whatever is in the best interest of the student is what truly matters.

Damaryan-Nordloff’s dedication extends into her personal life as well. A multilingual learner herself, born in Armenia and raised in Southern California, she enjoys hiking, live shows, and spending time with her family. 

Through her commitment to supporting MPUSD students and their families, she continues to make a lasting impact on her community.