JULY 2025

LAVONDIA MENEPHEE 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

After years away from campus, I needed to matter and I wanted the future to know it matters to me. I had the heart for people and the head for strategic, data-informed planning. That combination made me a strong candidate for the kind of “safe space” every school community needs, so I became a school counselor through an alternative certification program before it sunset.

Transitioning from adult-facing roles to elementary counseling was one of the hardest shifts of my life. I had to learn to slow down, to receive hugs while teaching boundaries, and to speak both child and grown-up fluently. I leaned into my gift for connecting with families and never hid my deep care for the adults in schools. Supporting teachers is still considered novel, but it’s always been part of my calling.

I believe:

• Every child can be trusted with the tools to master their emotions and their potential.
• Every family sends us their best.
• Teachers have the right to be human.

Becoming a school counselor was a conscious decision to step into work that can be both heart work and systems work, given the right conditions.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST USED OR FAVORITE RESOURCES?

When facing a challenge, I start by checking the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) for helpful resources or articles.

For guidance lessons, I love using the BrainAbouts online curriculum. It’s age-appropriate, connects with families, and makes emotional literacy accessible, affirming, and engaging.

Becoming a Dynamic Mindfulness Certified Teacher through Niroga transformed my approach, deepening my understanding of trauma-informed movement and regulation practices.

For career and college readiness, I often use the Texas Workforce Commission’s “Reality Check” with older students. It sparks meaningful conversations about the futures they imagine for themselves.

My office is stocked with tools for self-expression and emotional regulation: affirmation cards, fidget tools, wellness journals, mindful coloring posters, Buddha boards, and my own hip-hop affirmation-themed activity book.

But more than any program or tool, my best resource is presence. Paying attention. Listening. Laughing. Holding space. Students show you what they need if you’re willing to notice.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

My school counselor joy comes from small sparks.

While duty can feel routine, I love morning duty. I enjoy being the first greeting of the day. I sit with latecomers at breakfast, wipe faces, and joke about teeth “falling out of their heads” because I know feeling cared for is a powerful motivator. Taking time to hear children’s first thoughts and exchanging encouragement with colleagues fuels me.

I also love working with families, whether finding resources or simply listening. It is essential to care for the soil, the adults at home and in classrooms, that helps children grow. That is why family nights, dismissal chats, and one-on-one moments in the Counseling Center matter. When a child needs their adults to be in sync, these connections are vital.

Above all, I see every conversation as a chance for healing and growth. Whether with a child, parent, teacher, or community partner, I know that presence and care can make a difference. I carry that responsibility with gratitude.

AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR, I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...

As a school counselor, I can’t live without people.

It may sound obvious, but it’s deeper than that. Counselors often absorb the emotional weight of a campus, and we need others to help us regulate and reset. I’m always grateful for the support God sends. This year, it was my principal and the paraprofessionals- my principal for her steady leadership and the paras for being present with me in the everyday moments.

I’m also deeply grounded by my husband and our children. Our quick midday check-ins and evening talks keep me centered. My mentor and my extended family are always ready to celebrate my wins or sit with me when things are hard. Being loved this well allows me to love others fully.

And I take good care of myself! I truly enjoy how I show up for me. I give myself mindful walks, quiet lunches, space for big emotions, reflexology appointments, elongated exhales, lots of Savasana, uplifting music, nourishing food, deep breaths, plenty of water, and loud, soul-clearing laughter.

JUNE 2025

AMANDA CHEATHAM

LYNN LUCAS MIDDLE SCHOOL

WILLIS ISD

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?
I chose to become a school counselor to serve high need areas to help alleviate the stigma of mental health and counseling. I realized early in my career that students and families need an advocate, and a voice for their well being. I strive each day to be approachable to students and build relationships with family members in order for them to not only trust our campus daily with their students but to allow me to share resources and information to assist in a variety of areas.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST USED OR FAVORITE RESOURCES?
Something I am most proud of is the fact that most students do not even know where my office is, because I typically office from the hallway! When confidential situations arise I will find a private space to meet with students, however I office from a rolling desk in the hallways. This allows students to find me easily, I am accessible, I am responsive, and many times preventative. I believe this allows many students to find me much easier and confidentially than having to go to the front office.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?
I most enjoy the opportunity to see students grow. I have had the privilege of seeing many students in the middle school setting who are attempting to "find their way" and create a personality make some important changes for their well being after receiving therapy, counseling, mentorship, or even just becoming more involved in the campus life.

AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR, I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...
As a school counselor, I can't live without my rolling desk!

May 2025

NATALIE PEREZ

DOSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

AUSTIN ISD

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?
I chose to become a school counselor because I want to be a part of the growth and success of students through a whole-child approach. When I was in fifth grade, I lost my friend in a tragic car accident. My school counselor provided unwavering support for our class to grieve and process our feelings throughout the school year. I strongly believe that every student can benefit from having a supportive school counselor in their corner. Each day is different, and I have the abilities to connect with teachers, families, and students to offer guidance, resources, and support to anyone who needs it. In my job, I value respect for diversity, for students’ unique needs, and for each individual’s voice.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST USED OR FAVORITE RESOURCES?
There are so many books I use to teach a variety of topics through bibliotherapy. One of my favorite books when teaching bullying prevention is One by Kathryn Otoshi. I love using Kelso's choices when teaching students about how to solve conflict. Another set of resources I love with career discovery and exploration lessons are provided through the Texas Workforce Commission, such as the Texas Reality Check.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?
I love helping people see value in themselves and become the best versions of themselves. Often times, the work of a school counselor is done "behind the scenes" because of the nature of this work. The joy of my job is getting to see the positive outcomes for students, families, staff, and the community. I have always taken pride in fostering respectful relationships with students and families by taking the time to truly understand their unique backgrounds and challenges. This approach allows me to provide tailored counseling and support that is not only culturally responsive but also reflective of each student's distinct experiences and needs. For example, when working with students who face barriers such as language differences, socioeconomic challenges, or varying family dynamics, I use a trauma-informed approach to counseling that ensures they feel seen, heard, and validated. These efforts help to promote trust and open communication.

AS A SCHOOL COUNSELOR, I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...
As a school counselor, I can't live without my team. No matter the student or situation, I rely on my co-counselor and counseling department to support me through consultation and reflection. Counseling is a job that requires balance, perspective, and fine tuning to effectively meet the needs of each student and their family.