Thanking — our school counselors

CEWILLA THOMAS

School you work at and for how long: My educational journey began with Navasota ISD. I graduated from Waller High School and received my Bachelors’ and Masters’ Degree from Prairie View A&M University.

Family: I am married with two lovely children, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

What profession did you want to be as a child? I had an interest in owning my own restaurant business. My hobbies include traveling with my family and friends, cooking, listening to music and dancing.

What is your favorite food? My favorite foods are soul food/comfort food, fried and BBQ pork ribs, mustard greens, pound cake and ice cream.

Who is your biggest influence? My biggest influences were my grandfather and grandmother who taught me the values of life which I am forever Grateful.

I’m truly grateful for all the students I have taught, been a counselor to, and observed. There’s no way for me to express how much each of you, and your families have helped me to grow and learn on my educational journey. It’s Counselor’s Week and I want each of you to know that without you I wouldn’t be in this position. Keep your eyes on the prize!!!

GERALYN JACKSON

School you work at and for how long: I work at John C. Webb Elementary School in Navasota. I’ve been with Navasota ISD since 2001. Upon graduating from Navasota High School, I attended Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio for my bachelor’s and Sam Houston State University for my master’s degree in counseling, which is my passion.

Family: I am married to Wesley Jackson, Sr. and we have three children.

What profession did you want to be as a child? I wanted to major in business which I did, I just never know I’d wind up teaching it!

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? Reading, I am a book addict! I also love to travel.

What is your favorite food? Any type of seafood.

Who is your biggest influence? My mom; Dorothy Sauls (I love you).

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change?

Measuring the effectiveness of a school based upon one test versus student growth. If they could see where so many of our students start and how they come to us and then look at how far they often come in just one year...it’s amazing.

JANA POOL

School you work at and for how long: Navasota Jr. High School, 4 years; 25 years at Navasota ISD.

Where you graduated from high school/college: Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University, Master’s Degree from Lamar University.

Family: Married to John Pool for 31 years. Children- Jay Pool, 30, Jessica Pool Tucker, 29, Joleigh Pool, 21. Grandchildren- Sullivan Jane Pool, 2, Emerson Belle Tucker, 1.

What profession did you want to have as a child? I wanted to be a teacher.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? I enjoy spending time with my family.

What is your favorite food? I love Mexican food!

Who is your biggest influence? My Dad had the biggest influence on me. He always had a smile on his face and showed kindness to others.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? If I could change one thing about the public school system, it would be to alleviate the pressures of high stakes testing.

DEBORAH KERR

School you work at and for how long: This is my fourth year as the School Counselor at Brule Elementary, and I am having the time of my life. My work is fulfilling, and the students are so adorable.

Where you graduated from high school/college: I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, received a B.A. in English from Texas A&M University, and an M.Ed. from Sam Houston State University. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Family: I have been married for 38 years to my soulmate, Bill Kerr, and we have three sons: Brandon (37), Jason (35), and John (29).

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? We enjoy spending time on our land, and I enjoy reading and sewing.

What is your favorite food? My favorite food is anything that my husband cooks; he is always creating something delicious.

Who is your biggest influence? The two people who have made the biggest impact in my life are Dr. Teresa Durett, who encouraged me to go back to school, and Dr. Candice Ashley, my LPC Advisor, who guided me through so much during my internships.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? I would have to say state testing because of the stress. I am pleased that our district has realized the need for more recess; our students love it.

KAREN HANSON

School you work at and for how long: High Point Elementary- 1-year.

Where you graduated from high school/college: Clifton High School and Tarleton State University.

Family: Married to Darren Hanson for 27-years, Two children- Wade Hanson, 25, Marti Hanson 24.

What profession did you want to be as a child? Teacher.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? Fishing and raising cattle.

What is your favorite food? Chick-fil-a sandwich. Who is your biggest influence? God and my family. If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? State testing.

JAMIE SPIKERMAN

School you work at and for how long: Navasota High School Counselor, two years, Classroom Teacher 13 years.

Where you graduated from high school/college: Graduate of Bellaire HS in Houston, Texas

BA in Mass Media and Spanish from Houston Baptist University. M Ed in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University.

Family: Married for 18 years with a 13-year old daughter, 16-year old son and 27-year old forever daughter who is now a teacher!

What profession did you want to be as a child? Zoo-keeper or a Journalist.

What are some hobbies you enjoy? Reading, baseball, exercise, watching stand-up comedy and anything on Animal Planet.

What is your Favorite food? Nachos or tacos

Who is your biggest influence? My mom. She’s a single mom who raised me in the midst of some big tragedies and hardships My biggest professional influences are Ron Clark, Brene Brown, and every classroom teacher (aka: the real superheroes).

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? I would decrease class sizes across grades K-12 to a cap of 20 with no loopholes.

KIMBERLY FINKE

School you work at and for how long: This is my fourth year at Navasota High School. I worked at Navasota Jr. High prior to that for a total of 24 years, eight as a teacher and 16 as the counselor.

Where you graduated from high school/ college: I graduated from Navasota High School in 1986 and from Sam Houston State University in May 1991 with a BBA in Business Education and again in December 2000 with a MEd in School Counseling.

Family: I have two children, Justin Falkenbury, 29, and Devyn Falkenbury, 23. I also have two granddaughters who go to school in Livingston ISD, Braylenn Falkenbury, 8, and Tatum Falkenbury, 5.

What profession did you want to be as a child? A teacher, but in high school I thought I wanted to be an accountant. God always has a plan, and we should not try to change His plan.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? Spending time with family, crafting, reading, swimming, traveling

What is your favorite food? I don’t really have one particular favorite food. I like many different kinds of foods. I am better known for the things that I won’t eat like celery (don’t even try to trick me by cooking it in something), pecans, coconut, raw tomatoes.

Who is your biggest influence? Personally, I would have to say that my parents, Rayburn and Nellie “Tootie” Finke have been the biggest influence in my life. They instilled great values in their children. I can only hope that I have made them proud. Professionally, I would have to say Dr. Mary Nichter, one of my SHSU professors, and Cindy Demott, former NISD counselor and principal, played huge roles in influencing me. These ladies taught me a great deal of information about school counseling and helped shape my counseling theory and practices.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? I would change the lack of empathy and the lack of self-motivation and self-respect students have. Okay, I know that is more than one thing, but I feel all of those things are of utmost importance.

ANTHONY T.

LAWSON

School you work at and for how long: Navasota High School, 7 months.

Where you graduated from high school/ college: I graduated from East Forsyth Senior High School in Kernersville, NC, 1984, and from The University of Texas at Tyler, M.A. degree, 2004.

Family: My wife and I enjoyed 30 wonderful years together before I lost her in 2019 after a long battle with cancer. I have recently moved to the area to be close to my son and daughter-in-law, who are both Aggies. Ada is currently a science teacher in a neighboring district and Zachary is still a graduate student/employee at Texas A&M, in the biomedical engineering department, and I couldn’t be prouder of them both!

What profession did you want to be as a child? Lead guitarist in a rock band (never got that call from ZZ Top).

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? Fishing, kayaking, camping, reading, guitars.

What is your favorite food? Pizza with all the toppings (except for pineapple, which clearly does NOT belong on pizza).

Who is your biggest influence? I was transformed by the life and teachings of an Ancient Carpenter from Galilee.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? There are so many things that are right with public education, including the dedication of many professionals with a passion for teaching our students. One thing that I would change, however, is the overemphasis on standardized testing from federal and state levels. If we can’t make any progress there, I would also suggest daily naps not stop at kindergarten, but continue for all grade levels, faculty and staff.

DARLISSA

VILLANUEVA

School you work at and for how long: Navasota ISD: AdviseTX College Recruitment Advisor/Counselor.

Where you graduated from high school/college: Harlingen High School - South High School class of 2014. College: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University class of 2018.

What profession did you want to be as a child? Thankfully, I have always had a servant heart, so I knew I wanted to give back by serving others. Growing up, I wanted to be a Nurse because I wanted to help people who were ill. As I entered high school, that same profession stuck with me up until my freshman year of college. I realized how much I enjoyed working with youth and decided to change my major to Education. Same servant heart, just a different environment. Shortly after that, I realized I loved politics and I figured there is always alternative ways to obtain a teacher’s certification, so I changed my major to Political Science. Texas A&M University gave me the opportunity to be a POLS major while taking Education electives, so it was the best of both worlds for me! Now, I am pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Planning to do Education Reform. This gives me the opportunity to continue to serve our education spaces and advocate for districts, administration, faculty, staff and students.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? I enjoy traveling and spending time outside in nature whether that’s on a run, hiking or visiting the beach back home any chance I can get! I love spending time with my family and my Golden Retriever, Milo. I also enjoy going to concerts, trying new food places, working out and reading books!

What is your favorite food? Texas BBQ, hands down.

Who is your biggest influence? Bob Goff, who is an author of some of my FAVORITE books! He lives a life full of whimsy and loves people so well. I am so encouraged by his desire to serve and love others the way God intended us to!

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? If there were two things I could change, it would be to get rid of standardized testing and eliminate the barriers that students face on a daily basis. I truly believe our students need access to more practical objectives that will be beneficial to them in life after high school.

LINDSEY HARRIS

School you work at and for how long: I am the school counselor for Iola High School. This is my 13th school year with Iola ISD. We have exceptional students, teachers and parents which is why I love Iola!

Where you graduated from high school/college: I graduated from China Spring High School and earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Texas A&M University. I returned to college and earned my Master of Education in Counseling from Sam Houston State University in 2011.

Family: My husband, Jared, and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage this summer. We have 4 children: Harper and Hadley (6-year old twins), Jentry (4-years old) and Jagger (1-year old). Our house is full of laughs and tantrums!

What profession did you want to be as a child? I wanted to be a veterinarian as a child, then I took my first year of Biology at TAMU and changed my mind! However, I still had a love of science, so I began teaching at Iola in August of 2006. I have been there since.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? I enjoy spending time with my kids. We play t-ball, play at the park and enjoy watching movies.

What is your favorite food? Pizza.

Who is your biggest influence? My biggest influence is my mother, Linda, she is an awesome mom and she inspires me to be the same every day!

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? It would be to allow the schools more flexibility and freedom to simply educate the students.

LANEY BAKER BELL

School you work at and for how long: Anderson Shiro CISD for 3 years

Where you graduated from high school/college: I graduated from Madison-ville High School, and I got my Bachelor’s degree at Sam Houston State University. My Master’s degree is from Lamar University.

Family: I’m married to Trent Bell, and we have a daughter named Josey who is 11.

What profession did you want to be as a child? When I was a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? Riding and showing horses and reading.

What is your favorite food? Steak and chocolate.

Who is your biggest influence? My mom. She worked in education for 39 years, and she made a difference in the lives of many children.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? If I could change one thing in the public-school system, it would be the standardized testing that the state pushes on us. I wish it was more appropriate developmentally and fair to all students. I wish that it wasn’t such a big deal and that schools could focus more on the growth of each student and their achievements each year.

CHRISTY NIENSTEDT

School you work at and for how long: I started teaching and coaching in Andrews ISD, then to Somerville ISD and came to Anderson as the Head Volleyball and Head Track coach in the Fall of 1998. I have been at Anderson since (22 years). I returned to the secondary campus in the spring 2014 in my current role as the Jr high and high school counselor. I have seen our little 1A school grow into its current 3A classification. I am currently serving about 480 students on our 6th – 12th campus.

Where you graduated from high school/college: I graduated from Alpine High School and Sul Ross State University. In 2010 I went back to school for my master’s degree in school counseling which was my last season of coaching and my first year as the elementary counselor.

Family: have been married for 20 years to my husband, JJ. We have 4 daughters: Raley (18), Kenzie (15), Sadie

(15) and Corie (15). Yes, you read correctly, I have triplets!!

What profession did you want to be as a child? As a child I always wanted to be a teacher.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? I enjoy volleyball, softball and horses. I mostly just watch my kids these days!

What is your favorite food? My favorite food is a big juicy steak.

Who is your biggest influence? My biggest influence has been my parents and the role models they were. They instilled a sense of perseverance in me that has left me with the attitude of “there is nothing I can’t do”.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? If I could change one thing in the public-school system, it would be teacher salaries. Teachers have an incredible amount of responsibility and pressure and get very little recognition or compensation for an endless and sometimes thankless job. Teachers are some of the hardest and most caring professionals there are. They should be treated as equals among the professional world. After all, everybody has had a teacher at some point in their life.

LORI STEPHENS

School you work at and for how long: Richards ISD. Taught Kindergarten here 4 years, currently in my first year as school counselor. Lone Star College - Tomball: currently teaching my second semester as an Adjunct Professor

Where you graduated from high school/ college: Magnolia High School class of 1992. College: Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, class of 2000. Master of Education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston Class of 2017.

Family: Married to Kevin Stephens for 23 years and have two sons, Kobie, 19, Luke, 16.

What profession did you want to be as a child? As I was growing up, I loved school and always wanted to be a teacher, but as I was completing high school, I thought I should be an accountant because math was my favorite subject and I was good at it. After my first couple of accounting classes at Tomball College, I decided to change to a general business degree. Then after looking into teaching multiple times in my early adult years, I decided to finally press thru the steps to become a teacher in my mid-30s.

What are some of the hobbies you enjoy? I really love to go boot scootin’ and to live concerts, and thoroughly enjoy Bible study and spending time with family and friends. Also, I love continuously learning new things about my professions.

What is your favorite food? Anything I don’t have to cook!

Who is your biggest influence? Must be Jesus of course! Other than that, I don’t have a biggest influence. I have been blessed to grab bits and pieces of influence from multiple souls I’ve encountered on this journey of life.

If you could change one thing in the public-school system, what would you change? Hmmm, just one thing? Funding! Funding to pay staff, funding for supplies/equipment, funding for programs, funding for facilities, funding for this, funding for that, funding, funding, funding! It really does affect every other aspect.