2023 SCOY FINALIST

LORENA DELLANIRA RODAS

CONROE ISD

I’m a wife and a mother of two boys, twenty-one and fifteen, and a nine-year-old daughter. They keep me busy with sports and music lessons. Family road trips and exploring nature keeps us grounded. 

Growing up as the oldest of seven children in a Hispanic family and daughter to immigrant parents was challenging. School was a struggle starting as a non-English speaker, and difficulties continued thought my school years. My happy childhood memories are the result of assistance from the schools. I was homeless as a teen and young adult. Yet, grit kept me moving toward my dreams. 

In education, I am a believer of Maslow before Bloom. I work closely with parents, staff, and the community to break down barriers hindering students’ social, emotional, and academic success. Bringing the community into our schools connects our team and families to local resources and mental health. 

I stay connected with our community through volunteering. Volunteering is one of my self-care practices. This also allows me to be aware of community needs resulting in donation drives or student projects at school. 

It’s my life experience that drives my passion for serving others. I overcame. I help others to do the same. 

2023 SCOY FINALIST

JESSICA GUERRERO

McALLEN ISD

My name is Jessica Guerrero, and I am blessed to be the school counselor at Victor Fields Elementary. Fields Elementary is in South Texas, minutes from Mexico's border. I was born and raised in Palacios, Texas, but moved away to attend Texas State University, where I met my husband, Isidro. He and I moved to McAllen from Austin in 2018 to be closer to our family. We are raising two beautiful children, Cruz Michael, who is five, and Sara Catalina, who is two. When I am not busy with work, my family and I enjoy visiting Boca Chica beach, playing board games, or just being in our backyard. My self-care includes running, listening to Christian music, and caring for my succulents. I am currently obtaining my hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in hopes of counseling adolescents who have experienced significant trauma. I am passionate about helping others and finding innovative ways to help children reach their fullest potential.

2023 SCOY FINALIST

JESSICA WATKINS

RICHARDSON ISD

Jessica Watkins is the School Counselor at Spring Creek Elementary in Richardson ISD. Ask her and she will tell you that she is blessed to have her dream job.

At the age of 13, Jessica knew she was destined to be a counselor. Initially, she believed she was going to have her own practice, however, in grad school one of her professors strongly encouraged her to consider school counseling. It was then she realized her true purpose. 

Jessica’s bubbly personality lights up her school, and contributes to the positive culture at Spring Creek. She believes that every child should have access to a high quality school counseling program. Jessica shows all of her students that they are seen and loved and advocates as their cheerleader throughout their time at Spring Creek and beyond. 

In addition to helping students at her school, Jessica has a passion for sharing resources and helping other counselors better their programs. She enjoys leading sessions at state and national conferences. 

When she is not at school, Jessica loves traveling the world with her educator husband, Josh, or snuggling on the couch with her two rescue dogs, Ruby and Pete.

2023 SCOY FINALIST

ZULEMA ZUNIGA

SOCORRO ISD

I am a passionate elementary school counselor who strives in making a difference in every child’s life. I truly believe in the quote “Be the person you needed when you were younger” by Ayesha Siddiqui. This is my daily reminder to keep pushing forward because the work we do as counselors is one that has a lasting impact. I feel that we hold a responsibility to help create the momentum to change the way that mental health is viewed in our society. We hold the power to teach each child the tools they need to practice mindfulness as if it was part of their daily routine like brushing their teeth. Thus, this would result in our future leaders to understand the importance of self-love and to prioritize self-care so we can then be individuals of good character that treat each other with respect, kindness, and value inclusivity.

Although, I this is only my sixth year as a school counselor, three years in high school and three years in elementary, I know that I have lived up to that quote. I work hard to ensure that every day I let my students know that they matter, and that they are seen.