COLLEGE COUNSELING
The mission of the St. Thomas High School Counseling Department is to provide comprehensive services that support the academic achievement, collegial aspirations and mental wellness of the men of St. Thomas and foster the STH qualities of Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.
The Counseling staff takes a collaborative, student-centered approach to providing individual and group guidance. Because we are a college preparatory school, the Counseling staff specializes in guiding students through the college planning process. The goal of the Counseling staff is to advocate for our students and provide them with the tools necessary to reach their academic and personal goals.
9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
|
|
|
|
Chelette Stephenson (B.A. Political Science, Texas A&M University; M.Ed. Counseling, Lamar University) has over 12 years of experience leading a college counseling program. For the past 6 years, she has served as the Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programs at Yes Prep-North Central where she developed a robust counseling department leading the district in college readiness scores through innovative programming, fostering college and community partnerships and supporting directors of college counseling in YES Prep district. Before YES, Chelette created and managed the college and career programs for Magnolia ISD for 6 years. Chelette is a member of NACAC and speaks at the annual conferences about the development of comprehensive counseling program with a focus on college counseling. In addition, she has been awarded the Hobsons Naviance Innovative Award for her work and has shared best practices at the annual national conference since 2008. Outside of counseling, Chelette enjoys lake life with her husband and two children, Jaden and Charleigh. Want to meet with Mrs. Stephenson? Schedule here.
Regina Dunford (B.A. History and Theology, Marquette University; M.Ed. in Catholic School Teaching, University of St. Thomas) joins St. Thomas from Incarnate Word Academy where she served as Academic Dean. Gina has had prior experience serving as Campus Minister and Leadership Instructor, where she coached students through distinguished leader projects and assisted students in applying for summer formal enrichment opportunities. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Catholic Educational Leadership through Saint Louis University. Want to meet with Mrs. Dunford? Schedule here.
Kristine Meier (B.A. Political Science and Communication, Purdue University; M.Ed. Counseling, University of St. Thomas) comes to us after 10 years with YES Prep Public Schools where she served as a teacher, Grade Level Chair, Intervention Specialist, and has spent the last 5 years as Director of College Counseling. Kristine attended Duchesne Academy and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and loves to run and work out. Want to meet with Mrs. Meier? Schedule here.
Jamar Keaton (B.A. Mass Communications & International Business; Master of Public Administration, Texas State University) comes to St. Thomas High School with 15 years of experience in education including more than ten years in university admissions at public and selective liberal arts institutions. Most recently, Jamar served as coordinator of college access and was a district scholarship manager in Houston Independent School District. Outside of counseling, Jamar spends his free time exploring cuisine and mentoring young men through his participation in community organizations. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and has been nationally spotlighted by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling. Want to meet with Mr. Keaton? Schedule here.
Crystal Hayward (B.A. Mass Communication and Broadcast Journalism, Sam Houston State University; M.S. Administrative Leadership in Higher Education Administration, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) joins St. Thomas High School from YES Prep Public Schools where she served as a College Counselor and Seminar Instructor. Prior to her time at YES Prep she was Adjunct Faculty at Lone Star College and assisted students in their first year experience. She also spent several years as an Academic Advisor for the University of Houston. Her vast experience will be an asset to our team. Want to met with Ms. Hayward? Schedule here.
Danielle Cannady (B.A English and English Literature, University of Georgia; M.Ed Counseling Clemson University) joins St. Thomas High School from YES Prep Public Schools where she served as a founding Director of College Counseling & Alumni Programming for three years. She is entering her 10th year of experience in Education and Counseling. Prior to her time at YES Prep she has worked for public and private institutions, collegiate recruitment programs, charter schools, and in the nonprofit sector. She is an active member in national college counseling organizations and served as a Texas Association for College Admissions (TACAC) fellow for 2022-2023. Want to meet with Ms. Cannady? Schedule here.
Alpha Division C/O 2025 | Alpha Division C/O 2026 and 2027 | Alpha Division C/O 2028 | |
---|---|---|---|
Keaton | A-De | A-De | A-C |
Dunford | Di-I | Di-I | D-Hi |
Cannady | J-Mi | J-M | Ho-Me |
Hayward | Mo-R | N-Ss | Mi-Sa |
Stephenson | S-Z | St-Z | Sh-Z |
College Resources:
- First Generation College Students
- Student Athletes
- AP Credit Awards – College Board
- Apply Texas
- Common Application
- Coalition Application
- College Interviewing
- Questions to Ask a College Representative
- NACAC College Guidebook
- Questions for College Tours
Request a Transcript:
College Visit Form:
The best way to know if a college is right for you is to visit campus. Reach out to the Office of Admissions and schedule a visit (this is also a great way to show DEMONSTRATED INTEREST). Try to find weekend visits! Those are the best times so that you don’t have to miss any school. In the event that there is no other option other than to miss school for the visit you must complete the steps below at least 5 DAYS BEFORE the visit:
- Complete this form and obtain needed signatures.
- Return form to the Dean of Students office for approval no late than 5 days before scheduled visit.
- After approval, email your teachers and copy your counselor and the Dean of Students Office on the email about the visit.
- Bring form or letter from the visited college showing date of visit to the Dean’s office following the visit.
Career Resources:
Events and Information:
Pre-College Programs and Summer Opportunities:
- Part of a strong college application is developing a well-rounded high school student experience. To that end the Counseling Team is always updating this resource with different opportunities. Not seeing something you like? Reach out to one of our counselors for help finding and applying to a program.
Financial Aid:
Scholarship Search Engines:
FOR COLLEGE VISITS ON SCHOOL DAYS TO BE CONSIDERED AN EXCUSED ABSENCE:
- Complete the form and obtain needed signatures.
- Return the completed form to the Dean of Students Office for approval no later than 5 school days before the scheduled visit or the absence will be unexcused.
- After approval, complete all instructions listed on the form.
Naviance is a college and career readiness platform that helps connect St. Thomas students’ academic achievement with their post-secondary goals. Its comprehensive college and career planning solutions optimizes student success, maximizes counselor effectiveness, and tracks results for St. Thomas High School students.
Request a Transcript: