Menchaca ECC - PK Counseling Office
210-882-1610 x 4078
Welcome to Menchaca Early Childhood Center! I am so excited to begin my 8th year as one of the school counselors at Menchaca and to partner with our incredible students, families, and staff. With more than 20 years in education, I continue to feel incredibly grateful that I get to do what I love every day. As a Certified School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Play Therapist, I have the privilege of helping young children develop the social, emotional, and problem-solving skills that create a strong foundation for lifelong success.
I believe meaningful growth begins with connection. When children know they are safe, seen, heard, and valued, they are free to learn, grow, and shine. Every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and capable because they each have limitless potential. It is one of my greatest joys to help children discover their strengths, build confidence, and learn that they can do hard things. Whether I'm working with students individually, in small groups, or alongside teachers and families, my goal is always the same—to help every child feel connected, empowered, and excited to come to school each day.
When I'm not at Menchaca, you'll usually find me spending time with my family. My husband, Scott, and I are proud parents of two wonderful children. Our son, Hunter, graduated from Sam Houston State University and works in Information Technology at a local hospital. Our daughter, Jessica, followed her dreams to New York, where she helps operate two successful businesses. I also enjoy reading, playing board games, listening to music, and relaxing with a good movie or television series.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child's early learning journey. It is a privilege to partner with families during these important early years, and I look forward to helping every child grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy. Go Cardinals!
Certified Play Therapist; NCCAP, CPD, CMA, IPHM, & ICAHP
Licensed Professional Counselor; Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Youth Mental Health First Aid; National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools; Starr Commonwealth
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms; Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TCU
TBRI 101: A Course in Trust-Based Relationships; Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TCU
Children & Grief 101; Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas
Finding Resilience in a Time of Crisis Training, The WhyTry Organization
Community & School Safety and Mental Health During COVID-19, ESC 20
Sand Tray Therapy & Counseling; Vicki Williams-Patterson, MCAT, LPC-ATF
Yoga & Mindfulness; Yoga Day
Human Trafficking; Ransomed Life
Master of Arts in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling with Bridge to LPC, 2024
Post-Grad Certification in School Counseling, 2015
Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership, 2012
Master of Arts in Elementary Education, 2006
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts - English, 2003
Early Childhood-12 School Counselor
Early Childhood-12 English as a Second Language
Early Childhood-4 Generalist
4-8 Generalist
8-12 English, Language Arts, & Reading
Early Childhood-12 Technology Applications
2023-2024 H-E-B Excellence in Education Semi-Finalist
2021-2022 RootEd Staff Member of the Year
2017 - Astrobrights' Brightest Teacher Award
2016-2017 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Nominee
2015 - Spirit of Judson Nominee
2014 - Krispy Kreme Teacher of the Year (2nd Runner Up)
2013-2014 - Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching
H-E-B Excellence in Education (Semi-Finalist)
2007-2008 Rampage Teacher of the Game
H-E-B Excellence in Education Nominee
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA)
Texas Counseling Association (TCA)
Texas School Counseling Association (TSCA)
Alpha Epsilon Xi (AEX) Chapter #810 of Kappa Delta Pi The International Honor Society in Education
Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE)
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
Phi Delta Kappa (PDK)
Parent-Teacher Communication in a Multilingual Military Community
Parent-Teacher Communication in a Multilingual School District
Checking In and Checking Out: Helping Students Stay on Track
Military Parent Perceptions of Involvement in the Education of Their Children