Azusa Pacific University attracts students from all walks of life, and Dustin Coello ’26 exemplifies the determination and perseverance that define the APU experience. After years of professional experience in social work, Coello returned to pursue his master’s degree while balancing a demanding career. His commitment to learning and growth highlights the university’s focus on preparing students to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Originally from Boyle Heights, Coello earned his bachelor’s in social work from California
State University, Los Angeles. After graduating, Coello worked at Echo Park’s Community
Center with students on probation. Having grown up in the area, Coello was familiar
with the difficulties these students were facing. It ultimately inspired him to continue
working with children as a community wellness specialist at Sycamores. He loves working with children, and especially their parents, because they are the
foundation of the family. “It begins with investing in young people,” said Coello.
More than a decade into his career in social work, Coello was inspired to go back to school. “Therapists began asking for my advice, which is what pushed me to get my master’s.” Coello was motivated to earn his Master’s of Social Work (MSW) by the families and children he worked with, so that he would have the opportunity to better support them. He began attending California State University, Long Beach, but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit for him after discovering a lack of connection between professors and students. Coello learned about APU from a coworker and applied. During his interview, he discovered that APU was a Christian institution, a realization that added new meaning to his decision to pursue his education there. Coming from a Catholic background, Coello felt extremely comfortable in this revelation and found a sense of relief. “It was refreshing to see that my professors have the same values and morals as me,” said Coello.
Coello was first drawn to APU because of the support he received from both students and faculty. “There is no one in my cohort that you can’t reach out to,” said Coello. “I received immense support and care from my professors as well, which is what I was looking for in a school.” For Coello, that sense of connection mirrors the heart behind his work with children and families. “During my time at APU, I’ve encountered many families who notice the APU apparel I’m wearing and immediately become more welcoming because they are familiar with APU’s caring reputation.”
During his time at APU, Coello reflects on his experiences with Margaret Lee, PhD, assistant professor, and Kimberly Setterlund, MSW, LCSW, assistant professor, MSW director, and chair of the Department of Social Work. “I was daunted by the research aspect of my capstone class, but Professor Setterlund has been a tremendous help in guiding us through our last year of the master’s program,” said Coello. “From the beginning of the program with Dr. Lee in Introduction to Social Work to my capstone with Professor Setterlund, I’ve felt consistently supported. It’s been very meaningful to see how the program connects what we learn at the start to the work we complete at the end.”
After graduating in May, Coello plans to continue working at Sycamores until he is eligible to receive his Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) to teach in schools. He also aspires to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). “I want to work either at the middle or high school level, and mostly with teenagers,” said Coello. He encourages students to value teamwork in all situations. “I have been in situations where I had a close team, and also the opposite, where everyone worked individually,” said Coello. “When you and your peers all work together towards a common goal, it makes the journey much easier.”
As Coello prepares to graduate, he carries forward both the professional experience that first shaped his calling and the support he found at APU. Through the university’s faith-centered approach to learning and commitment to community, he continues to grow as a leader who is passionate about serving others. With a desire to invest in young people and strengthen families, Coello hopes to use his education to make a lasting impact on the lives of the students and communities he will serve.