Counseling & Student Wellness

Wendy Batek, Counselor (A - Fe)
Veronica Espinoza, Counselor (Ff - Le)
Erika Vazquez, Counselor (Lf - Ri)
Gloria Saenz , Counselor (Rj - Z)
Larissa Duke, College & Career Counselor

Office: 361-242-5636
Fax: 361-242-5638 

For more information on courses, graduation plans and mental health resources, visit the CHS Counseling Page.

Cami Guerrero: 

Misti Coleman: 

Office: 361-242-5672

For more information, visit the CMS Counseling Page. 

Lisa Naranjo

Office: 361-242-5900

For more information, visit the Magee Intermediate Counseling Page.

Kellyn Wilmeth

Office: 361-242-5988

For more information, visit the West Intermediate Counseling Page.

Priscilla Martinez

Office: 361-242-5938

Harmony Salinas

Office: 361-242-7560

For more information, visit the Wood River Counseling Page.

Maggie Fowler

Office: 361-242-5979

For more information, visit the LPC webpage.

Counselors work with campus staff to deliver developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for students. Support may be provided in different group sizes, based on student needs.

Counselors guide, monitor, and support students and families as they work toward educational, career, personal, social, and post-secondary goals. Planning may include individual support, small focus groups, and resources to help students build a personalized plan.

Responsive services may be preventive, remedial, or crisis-related. Counselors support students by addressing immediate needs through individual counseling, small groups, consultation, and referrals to services outside the school or district when needed.

System support is the foundation of a comprehensive counseling program. This includes program management and reviewing student and campus data to identify needs, coordinate resources, and support activities that benefit students across the campus. Counselors also evaluate services to help ensure high-quality counseling support.

Elementary and Intermediate campuses have a school counselor who supports students and parents/guardians with educational, personal, and career development as students grow.

The guidance curriculum helps students develop age-appropriate knowledge and skills in these areas: self-confidence development; motivation to achieve; decision-making; goal-setting; planning; problem-solving skills; interpersonal effectiveness; communication skills; cross-cultural effectiveness; and responsible behavior.

The Secondary Counseling Program supports students as they build skills for personal, social, educational, and career development.

Secondary counselors provide services that may include:

• orientation

• information dissemination

• individual and group counseling

• placement and scheduling

• pupil appraisal

• interpretation of state-mandated assessments

• identification of students with special abilities or needs

• parental consultations

• referrals to outside agencies

• other activities as needed and appropriate

College Information

Students can get information from the counseling office on each campus about scholarships, college selection and admission, college entrance exams, housing, financial aid, and other college-related topics.

Educational Guidance

Each student works closely with a guidance counselor to select appropriate courses each semester. Guidance counselors also support students with study skills, time management, and short- and long-term goal setting.

Personal Guidance

Counselors are available to consult with students and parents/guardians about concerns that affect a student’s personal and social well-being.

Calallen ISD has a long tradition of offering advanced-level coursework and challenging learning opportunities.  The Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs prepare students for higher education and a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers.

In Texas, schools are required to teach character education through the development of positive traits such as respect, responsibility, and integrity. These skills are embedded into daily instruction and support students in becoming responsible, caring, and successful individuals both in school and in life.

Character Traits:

• Responsibility (self-control, perseverance, accountability)
• Trustworthiness (honesty, reliability, loyalty)
• Respect & courtesy
• Caring (kindness, empathy, compassion)
• Fairness
• Perseverance
• Kindness
• Citizenship (respect for laws, community responsibility)
• Integrity
• Courage

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills they need to understand their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

These skills support not only academic success, but also overall well-being—helping students navigate challenges both in and out of school.

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Why is SEL Important?

Students who develop strong social-emotional skills are better able to:

• Manage stress and emotions
• Build healthy friendships
• Solve problems and make thoughtful decisions
• Stay focused and engaged in learning

SEL helps create a positive school environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

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Core SEL Skills

SEL focuses on five key areas identified by CASEL:

• Self-Awareness
  Understanding emotions, strengths, and areas for growth
• Self-Management
  Managing emotions, setting goals, and handling stress
• Social Awareness
  Showing empathy and understanding others
• Relationship Skills
  Building and maintaining healthy relationships
• Responsible Decision-Making
  Making safe, respectful, and thoughtful choices

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How is SEL Taught in Schools?

SEL is not just one lesson—it is woven throughout the school day. Students may learn SEL through:

• Classroom lessons and discussions
• Counseling guidance lessons
• Small group counseling
• Daily interactions with teachers and staff

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How Can Families Support SEL at Home?

Families play an important role in reinforcing these skills. You can support your child by:

• Talking about emotions and how to manage them
• Encouraging problem-solving and independence
• Modeling respectful communication
• Practicing empathy and kindness at home

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Supporting the Whole Child

Our goal is to support the “whole child”—academically, socially, and emotionally. By building strong social-emotional skills, students are better prepared for success in school and in life.

Mental Health & Wellness Series