Helen Holmes has served ECHS since December of 2018. Ms. Holmes is a graduate of Texas Tech University & University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and has been a licensed school counselor since 2010. Her Master's work includes School Counseling & Higher Education emphases. 

Mrs. Holmes grew up in Ft. Worth and taught English for ten years in Texas before relocating with her family to Appleton, Wisconsin. There she co-ran a project-based school for nine years. Mrs. Holmes is a huge proponent of project-based learning and has trained educators from around the country and also in the Netherlands on Personalized Learning Plans and student-driven learning. She is passionate about adolescent mental health and supporting students through the challenges and opportunities of a collegiate high school like ECHS. 

Mrs. Holmes has two children, Caroline (25), who graduated from Carnegie Mellon University & William (21), who graduated from ECHS in 2023 and will graduate from Tarleton in December, 2025. Helen's husband, Mark, is the Spiritual Care Manager for Ascension Texas. Their Wire-haired Pointing Griffon, Whimsy, fills their empty next with adventure.  

helen_holmes@roundrockisd.org   

(512) 704-1658 

Personal Learning Plan

Curriculum Vitae 

Welcome! I'm Tara Hornecker, and I’m honored to serve as one of the school counselors at Round Rock Early College High School. I have a passion for supporting students as they navigate their academic, personal, and social journeys through high school.

At a young age, I knew I wanted to do something in the education field; my grandmother was a longtime educator, and I always loved hearing her stories about her time in the schools.  After graduation, I attended McMurry University, where I majored in Family Communication and minored in Developmental Psychology.  Upon graduation with my Bachelor of Arts, I attended graduate school at The University of Texas at Austin, where I received my Master of Arts.  I then went into Corporate America and realized it was not the place for me, and began my alternative certification to teach.  I entered the classroom in the Fall of 2013, teaching Math.  After teaching for 5 years, I went to Angelo State to complete my School Counseling certification.  In May 2020, I began my journey in Administration through Region 13, with a desire to continue to help students and staff.

I have served on the RRECHS campus in the past as a teacher from 2017 to 2020, a part-time counselor during the 2019-2020 school year, and as an Assistant Principal from 2020 to 2023.  I have returned in a counseling capacity to serve the RRECHS community. I strive to create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where all students feel heard and supported. Whether it's planning for college and careers, managing stress, or resolving conflicts, I’m here to help students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed—both in and out of the classroom.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  My husband Mitch and I have two kids, Mack, 4, and Tatum, 2, who keep us very busy and constantly on our toes.  We enjoy doing things together.  Our most recent trip was to the Ft Worth Zoo, where the kids got to see all different kinds of animals, feed giraffes, and enjoy being outside.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for students, parents, and staff every step of the way.

tara_hornecker@roundrockisd.org   

(512) 704-1662