Hello, My name is Marcus Hopkins. I grew up in Weed, California, and moved to Chico in 2002 to attend Chico State University. When I first came to Chico I thought I was going to go to school and leave but God had different plans. I met my wife and we now have four children together, two girls and two boys. Chico has now become my home. I love family and I have a huge extended family. One of my favorite things is getting together with family during the holidays and other special events.

I love sports, I enjoy going out and shooting hoops and watching it on tv (Go Raiders!). I have coached basketball for many years, both girls and boys. I love to see the transformation of these young girls and boys. I have seen kids grow from small 5th graders to tall seniors in high school. My focus while coaching was not just to make them better basketball players but to become good men and women when they got older. I always knew I wanted to work with kids and I have worked with young people in different capacities.

I have a bachelor’s in liberal studies from Chico State and a master’s degree in educational counseling, as well as a PPS credential from National University. I have been a school counselor for the last five years; I worked three years at a high school and the last two years, I have been a counselor for junior high school students. I became a school counselor because I remember not knowing what I wanted to do with my life and not having any direction. I felt lost, and I wanted someone to talk to outside of my parents. I can be that caring person for young people to talk to who feel that they have no one they can talk to. One thing that I always remember when I deal with anyone is that most people won't remember what you do for them, but they will remember how you treated them and if you treated them with love and respect. I’m excited about this opportunity to work together and I look forward to meeting you.